59K cases settled in Lok Adalat

A National Lok Adalat for pre-litigation and pending matters was held today across all courts in Himachal Pradesh.

The initiative was organised under the patronage of Justice Gurmeet Singh Sandhawalia, Chief Justice and Patron-in-Chief of the Himachal Pradesh State Legal Services Authority and under the guidance of Justice Tarlok Singh Chauhan, Judge of the High Court and Executive Chairman of the Authority.

A total of 1,09,134 cases were taken up before 127 benches across the state. Out of these, 59,440 cases were amicably settled or disposed of, with compensation and settlements amounting to over Rs 77.63 crore being awarded.

An online facility for the payment of compounding fees via ePay (eCourts digital payment platform) was also made available, particularly benefiting motor vehicle challan cases in the courts of Traffic Magistrates.

To ensure maximum participation and awareness, the general public and litigants were informed about the benefits of the National Lok Adalat through SMS campaigns, radio jingles, and the distribution of IEC (Information, Education and Communication) material. The outreach effort also involved local body stakeholders, NGOs, Panchayati Raj Institution representatives, Para Legal Volunteers, public transport services and the print media.

Widespread publicity contributed to the event’s success in promoting accessible, cost-effective and timely justice delivery.