National Lok Adalat for Pre-Litigation and Pending matters was organized today on 12th March, 2022 under the patronage of Patron-in-Chief Hon’ble Mr. Justice Mohammad Rafiq, Chief Justice, High Court of Himachal Pradesh and under the able and innovative guidance of Hon’ble Smt. Justice Sabina, Judge, High Court of Himachal Pradesh, who is also Executive Chairperson, HPSLSA in all the Courts in the State of Himachal Pradesh.
According the Himachal Pradesh state legal services authority(HPSLSA) member-secretary and district and sessions judge Prem Pal Ranta, as many as 49908 cases were taken up in the National Lok Adalat before different benches for settlement, which is the highest number since the year 2014. Out of this about 17535 cases were settled or disposed off, the highest since the year 2015 and compensation worth over ₹61. 94 Crore was awarded or recovered to the claimants.
The Lok Adaalts have come as a big relief to the claimants as they got compensation and justice in pending matters that otherwise would have taken a long time for settlement, said the litigants.
Ranta said it was as emphasized by Executive Chairperson during video conferencing held twice with the Judicial Officers that they should lay emphasis on effective identification and disposal of cases before National Lok Adalat. As directed, Judicial Officers also made efforts to identify old cases, motor accident claim cases, matrimonial cases, insurance matters, labour court matters, criminal compoundable matters and the like, Ranta said.
Justice Sabina personally supervised proceedings taking place before the Lok Adalat Benches of National Lok Adalat at Sub-Divisional Legal Services Committee, Palampur and District Legal Services Authority, Kangra at Dharamshala and interacted with litigants/participants.
The Lok adalats have become a resounding success as Adalats give much need relief in the short time. Next National Lok Adalat will be held on 14th May 2022. As per directions of Hon'ble Executive Chairperson Special Lok Adalats will be held for Motor Vehicle Challans where pendency is more.
The judicial establishment is also mulling e-Lok Adalat for speedy disposal of cases in coming times, Ranta said.
