Sri Vijaya Puram: Justice was delivered without prolonged courtroom delays as the 2nd National Lok Adalat was conducted at the Circuit Bench of Calcutta High Court in Sri Vijaya Puram on June 21. Organised by the High Court Legal Services Committee under the banner of the State Legal Services Authority (ANSLSA), the event underscored the growing importance of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms in India’s judicial landscape.
Presided over by a dedicated bench comprising Justice Jay Sengupta, Chairman of the Committee, and Member Tasneem, the session aimed to resolve cases swiftly and cost-effectively. The Lok Adalat format, known for its informal and conciliatory approach, offered litigants an alternative to lengthy trials while promoting access to justice for all sections of society.
By facilitating out-of-court settlements, the Lok Adalat helped reduce the burden on traditional courts. This aligns with ongoing national efforts to promote legal awareness and expand the reach of justice delivery mechanisms beyond metropolitan centres. In a circuit bench like Sri Vijaya Puram, serving remote island districts, such initiatives offer critical access to legal recourse that may otherwise remain out of reach for many.
Legal experts say the model continues to gain traction in both urban and rural judicial circles, especially in regions where logistical or geographical challenges may delay justice. With mounting pressure on the judiciary due to case backlogs, Lok Adalats have become a vital valve to offload minor civil and compoundable criminal disputes.
The High Court Legal Services Committee extended appreciation to all participating legal professionals, administrative staff, and supporting agencies who ensured the smooth conduct of proceedings. The event was not just about case disposal, but about instilling public faith in prompt, inclusive justice mechanisms.
The success of the event at Sri Vijaya Puram reflects a broader push to integrate alternative legal platforms across all tiers of India’s judicial system. As courtrooms adapt to evolving expectations of accessibility and efficiency, Lok Adalats are increasingly being viewed not as an exception but as a reliable parallel stream within the legal framework.
With the conclusion of this National Lok Adalat, the focus now shifts to follow-up implementation of settlements and scaling up of similar initiatives across the Union Territory. In the islands, where geographical isolation and resource gaps persist, accessible justice through such platforms is not just a convenience, but a necessity.
