JAMMU: To resolve disputes quickly, affordably, and hassle-free, as mandated under the Constitution of India, the 4th and final National Lok Adalat of the calendar year 2024 was held today throughout the U.T of J&K.
The National Lok Adalat is under the patronage of Justice Tashi Rabstan, Chief Justice, High Court of J&K and Ladakh (Patron-in-Chief, J&K Legal Services Authority), and the dynamic mentorship of Justice Atul Sreedharan, Executive Chairman, J&K Legal Services Authority. It is also under the able guidance of Justice Rajnesh Oswal, Chairperson, High Court Legal Services Committee.
The Chief Justice, accompanied by Shahzad Azeem, Registrar General, High Court of J&K and Ladakh, and Amit Kumar Gupta, Member Secretary, J&K Legal Services Authority, inaugurated the National Lok Adalat at the District Court Complex, Poonch. Upon his arrival, the Chief Justice was warmly welcomed by Ashwani Sharma, Principal District and Sessions Judge, Poonch; Ahsan Ullah Parvez Malik, Additional District Judge, Poonch; Vikas Kundal, Deputy Commissioner, Poonch; Shafaqat, Senior Superintendent of Police, Poonch; and Sarfaraz Nawaz, Chief Judicial Magistrate, Poonch.
In a gesture of appreciation, the President of the Bar Association, Poonch, along with Bar members, felicitated the Chief Justice, acknowledging his unwavering commitment to justice delivery and his exemplary leadership in advancing alternative dispute resolution mechanisms. A ceremonial guard of honour was also accorded to the Chief Justice, marking the occasion with grandeur and respect.
During the Lok Adalat, the Chief Justice inspected different benches and interacted with the Presiding officers, members of the benches, Advocates and litigants. While addressing a gathering, Justice Tashi Rabstan underscored the pivotal role of mediation and ADR mechanisms in the justice delivery system, highlighting their cost-effectiveness and ability to preserve relationships.
Emphasizing the importance of deciding the matters of family disputes as soon as possible, especially those of custody, he stated, “Child custody cases require utmost priority as they affect innocent children who have no role in the litigation. With collective efforts of counsels and presiding officers, these disputes can be settled amicably, ensuring justice and a better future for the child.” He further urged judicial officers to explore possibilities of dispute resolution at the pre-litigation stage to minimize delays.
As part of the event, various departments, including horticulture, agriculture, health, and social welfare, set up awareness stalls to educate and assist the public.
The Social Welfare Department distributed wheelchairs to the beneficiaries, while children present at the event received gifts as a gesture of goodwill. Additionally, Motor Accident Claims Tribunal (MACT) cheques were distributed to beneficiaries on the spot.
On his way back from district Poonch, the Chief Justice along with Shahzad Azeem, Registrar General and Amit Kumar Gupta, Member Secretary also visited District Court Complex Rajouri to have first-hand information regarding the progress of National Lok Adalat.
During the inspection of the Lok Adalat, the Chief Justice distributed MACT Cheques to the claimants. In an interaction with the Judicial officers, Lawyers and Litigants the Chief Justice highlighted the benefits of settlement of disputes through ADR Mechanisms.
Those who were present at District Court Complex Rajouri included Rajeev Gupta, Principal District and Sessions Judge, Rajouri, Abhishek Sharma, Deputy Commissioner, Gaurav, SSP, Rajouri, Bashir Ahmad Munshi, Addl. District Judge, Javed Rana, CJM and Shama Sharma, Secretary, DLSA, Rajouri. At both places, the Chief Justice had an interaction with Bar members, listened to their demands and assured early resolution of the same.
Likewise, Justice Sanjeev Kumar, Judge, High Court of J&K and Ladakh and Administrative Judge for District Jammu inaugurated National Lok Adalat at District Court Complex Jammu. Justice Sanjeev Kumar also distributed various Compensation cheques among the beneficiaries.
Speaking on the occasion, Justice Sanjeev Kumar highlighted that matrimonial disputes among the parties have become a serious matter of concern in the society therefore he emphasized that the parties should take maximum benefit of Lok Adalats in settling these disputes which is not only cost effective and affordable but also ensures quick and amicable settlement of disputes besides saving a family from disintegration.
During the proceedings of the Lok Adalat, Justice Sanjeev Kumar persuaded the parties to resolve the disputes amicably and get rid of the hassles of litigation.
As per the information received from different Legal Services Institutions of various districts of UT of J&K, out of total 2,46,589 cases taken up by 169 Benches in the day-long National Lok Adalat at various courts across the UT of J&K, 2,33,048 cases were disposed of as settled and an amount of Rs 70,05,81,106/- was awarded as compensation/settlement amount in Motor Accident Claims, civil, criminal, labour disputes, Electricity and Water Bills cases, Land Acquisition, Family matters, cheque dishonour and Bank Recovery cases.
Talking to media persons, the Member Secretary, J&K Legal Services Authority appreciated the efforts of all the Judicial Officers, Secretaries DLSA’s, Advocates, staff of the district and tehsil courts as well as Legal Services Institutions as also litigants for their whole hearted participation and belief in the National Lok Adalat.
He also highlighted the role of Para Legal Volunteers and the media, both print and electronic, in creating and spreading awareness amongst the masses regarding the initiatives of Legal Services Authority and welfare schemes launched by the Govt. and Legal Services Authority.
He further informed that as per the fresh calendar shared by NALSA for the year 2025, the 1st National Lok Adalat is scheduled to be held on Saturday, March 08, 2025.
