Shimla:  In a remarkable display of judicial efficiency and public service, a National Lok Adalat was held today across all courts in the state of Himachal Pradesh. Over 1.01 Lakh cases were brought before Lok Adalat and over 45 K were settled. 

The Lok Adalat which focused on pre-litigation and pending matters, witnessed the participation of numerous stakeholders and aimed to provide timely justice to the citizens.

The event was conducted under the patronage of the esteemed Hon’ble Shri Justice M S Ramachandra Rao, Chief Justice of the High Court of Himachal Pradesh and Patron-in-Chief of the Himachal Pradesh State Legal Services Authority.

Additionally, the able guidance of Hon’ble Shri Justice Tarlok Singh Chauhan, Judge of the High Court of Himachal Pradesh and Executive Chairman of the Himachal Pradesh State Legal Services Authority, played a pivotal role in the event's success.

One notable feature of this National Lok Adalat was the introduction of an online facility for the payment of compounding fees through ePay (eCourts Digital Payment), especially in cases related to Motor Vehicle Challans, a move designed to enhance convenience for litigants.

Efforts to inform the public about the National Lok Adalat included the dissemination of SMS messages, jingles, and the distribution of Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials. These initiatives were carried out in collaboration with local bodies, NGOs, representatives of Panchayati Raj Institutions, Para Legal Volunteers, Public Transport Services, and various other stakeholders.

Hon’ble Shri Justice Tarlok Singh Chauhan, who personally oversaw the proceedings at the Lok Adalat Benches in Rohru, interacted with stakeholders and litigants, further ensuring transparency and accountability in the process.

A staggering 100,100 cases were brought before the National Lok Adalat's different benches for resolution. By 6:00 p.m. on the same day, an impressive 45,300 cases had already been settled or disposed of.

Furthermore, a substantial sum of ₹89 Crore was recovered and awarded to claimants as a result of the National Lok Adalat's efforts.

This event not only exemplified the commitment of the Himachal Pradesh State Legal Services Authority to provide accessible justice but also highlighted the judiciary's dedication to resolving pending cases efficiently.

The National Lok Adalat proved to be a resounding success, positively impacting the lives of thousands of litigants across the state.