Jammu: With the aim of resolving and providing quick, affordable as well as hassle free resolution of disputes as mandated under Constitution of India, the 4th and final National LokAdalat of the calendar year 2024 was held Saturday throughout the J&K under the patronage of Justice TashiRabstan, Chief Justice, High Court of J&K and Ladakh (Patron-in-Chief, J&K Legal Services Authority) and dynamic mentorship of Justice AtulSreedharan, Executive Chairman, J&K Legal Services Authorityasalso under the able guidance of Justice RajneshOswal, Chairperson, High Court Legal Services Committee.
The Chief Justice, accompanied by ShahzadAzeem, Registrar General, High Court of J&K and Ladakh, and Amit Kumar Gupta, Member Secretary, J&K Legal Services Authority, inaugurated the National LokAdalat at the District Court Complex, Poonch. Upon his arrival, the Chief Justice was warmly welcomed by Ashwani Sharma, Principal District and Sessions Judge, Poonch; AhsanUllahParvez Malik, Additional District Judge, Poonch; VikasKundal, 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 mechanis A ceremonial guard of honour was also accorded to the Chief Justice, marking the occasion with grandeur and respect.
During the LokAdalat, Chief Justice inspected different benches and interacted with the Presiding officers, members of the benches, Advocates and litigants. While addressing a gathering, Justice TashiRabstan 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 at the earliest, 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 wheel chairs 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 alongwithShahzadAzeem, Registrar General and Amit Kumar Gupta, Member Secretary also visited District Court Complex Rajourito have first-hand information regarding the progress of National LokAdalat.
During the inspection of the LokAdalat, 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 Mechanis
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, JavedRana, 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 LokAdalat 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 LokAdalats 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 LokAdalat, Justice Sanjeev Kumar persuaded the parties for resolving 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 J&K, out of total2,46,589 cases taken up by 169 Benches in the day long National LokAdalat at various courts across the J&K, 2,33,048cases 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 dishonor 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 LokAdalat.
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 about 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 LokAdalat is scheduled to be held on Saturday, March 08, 2025.
