National Lok Adalat At Jharkhand Disposes Over 18 Lakh Cases

On the instructions of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA), the first National Lok Adalat of the year 2025 was organized by the Jharkhand State Legal Services Authority (JHALSA).

The virtual inauguration of the National Lok Adalat was done by Justice Sujit Narayan Prasad of Jharkhand High Court, also the Executive Chairman of Jharkhand State Legal Services Authority, from the Conference Hall, Civil Court, Ranchi. Justice Prasad, along with Member Secretary, JHALSA, Kumari Ranjana Asthana, was present as the Chief Guest in the inaugural program.

A total of 18,70,657 cases were disposed of including 1,46,918 pending cases and 17,23,793 pre-litigation cases, resulting in a total settlement amount of Rs. 8,08,50,28,598/-.

Justice Prasad emphasized the importance of resolving as many cases as possible through the Lok Adalat. He outlined Lok Adalat as a method of quick and easy justice, pointing out its value in saving time and money for litigants by mediating the disputes. He further informed that while previously National Lok Adalat inaugural functions were organized from JHALSA, this time it was organized from Civil Court, Ranchi, which was for the first time. Future efforts will be made to conduct the inauguration program from District Legal Services Authorities (DALSA).

During the event, Judicial Commissioner Shri Diwakar Pandey, Deputy Commissioner Manjunath Bhajantri, Chief Justice of Family Court S.S. Fatmi, Senior Superintendent of Police Chandan Kumar Sinha, Additional Chief Justice-1, Family Court Sanjita Srivastava, and other judicial officers were present. Senior Superintendent Post Office, Udaybhan Singh, and Dr. Nitin Sharan were also in attendance. The Ranchi District Bar Association was represented by its President, Shri Shambhu Prasad Agarwal, and General Secretary, Shri Sanjay Kumar Vidrohi, along with other learned advocates.

Justice Prasad also inspected all the stalls set up in Civil Court, Ranchi, and inaugurated the renovated post office complex within the Civil Court premises by cutting the ribbon. During the event, cheques were distributed among the beneficiaries of the Lok Adalat by the Justice and other dignitaries. He also inspected all the benches constituted for the Lok Adalat proceedings.

In her welcome address, Member Secretary, Kumari Ranjana Asthana, credited Justice Sujit Narayan Prasad for JHALSA's achievements and milestones. She noted that the virtual inauguration of the National Lok Adalat from Civil Court, Ranchi, coincided with International Women's Day, making the occasion even more significant.

Judicial Commissioner Diwakar Pandey, delivering the vote of thanks, reaffirmed that Lok Adalat is an efficient medium for case settlement. He further stated that, under the instructions of Justice Sujit Narayan Prasad, Jharkhand was at the forefront in resolving pending cases last year, which was a matter of great pride.

Shri Sanjay Kumar Vidrohi, the General Secretary of Ranchi District Bar Association, emphasized women empowerment during his address. He underscored the remarkable contributions made by women in different fields and called for not giving them lesser respect.

Deputy Commissioner, Shri Manjunath Bhajantri, underscored the role of Lok Adalat in providing free dispute resolution services to the poor and underprivileged. He further elaborated on the "Maiya Samman Yojana" which is a government-run scheme for women.

On the occasion of International Women's Day, all speakers shared their views on women empowerment. Women advocates and judicial officers were honored, and prizes were distributed to girl students who participated in various competitions organized by the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA).

For the successful execution of the National Lok Adalat, approximately 294 benches were constituted by DLSA.

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