NALSA Chairman Justice NV Ramana Presides over Delhi Legal Services Authority's First Online Lok Adalat

The introduction of e-Lok Adalats has been a creative solution by the Legal Services Authorities to meet the unprecedented challenges of the pandemic but it's usage may continue well even post the pandemic period. Madhya Pradesh, Chattisgarh, Karnataka have successfully held e-Lok Adalats and many other State Legal Services Authorities are working on the same and may launch e-Lok Adalats in the coming months.

Justice N.V. Raman, in his presidential address emphasized on resolving the immediate challenges of the justice delivery system by making the technology of e-Lok Adalats available to the remotest corners of the country. He said that

The Legal Services Institutions across the nation, in coordination with the District Administration and different NGOs, are reaching out to millions of people to meet legal needs which have cropped up during the pandemic.

He stated that the Legal Services Authorities across the country have been using online conferencing in various fronts of the justice system during the the pandemic.

On the awareness front, he revealed that

• From April to June, 2020, around 15555 programs were held through webinars for panel lawyers for their capacity building
• 827 legal awareness programs through webinars have been held for the targeted population
• 170 legal awareness programmes were held through Radio and Television
• 6,26,275 people were provided legal information and advice through National as well as State Legal aid helpline numbers

He also stated that the Legal Services Authorities have provided effective legal representation to arrested persons during this period. He provided that

• From April 2020 to June 2020, 16,646 arrested persons were provided legal assistance at the remand stage
• At remand stage, bail applications were filed in 6812 cases, out of which 4601 arrested persons were granted bail
• 495 convicts were provided legal assistance in filing appeals

On the front of domestic violence, he revealed that

• From April to June 2020, in domestic violence cases, legal assistance and advice was provided to 3443 women
• Around 662 cases were settled through Mediation
• In 441 cases, petitions were filed in the courts

In his keynote address Justice D.N Patel, Chief Justice of Delhi High Court and the Patron-in-Chief of DLSA, appreciated the role of NALSA, and especially Justice Ramana, who had conceptualised the e-Lok Adalat. Justice Hima Kohli, Judge Delhi High Court and Executive Chairman of Delhi Legal Services Authority informed that all 11 Districts of Delhi participated in the Lok Adalat, and to ensure the smooth functioning of e-Lok Adalats collaboration was made with SAMA.

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