Chhattisgarh gears up for National Lok Adalat on May 10 to resolve 15 lakh cases

RAIPUR: The Chhattisgarh high court is currently reviewing preparations for the upcoming National Lok Adalat, scheduled for May 10, with a focus on resolving a significant number of pending and pre-litigation cases through compromise.
As of May 5, 2025, information received from various districts indicates that a total of 1,586,808 cases have been identified for potential settlement. This includes 1,525,942 pre-litigation cases and 60,866 cases currently pending in courts.
Chief Justice Ramesh Sinha, who is also the Patron-in-Chief of the Chhattisgarh State Legal Services Authority (CGSLSA), chaired a virtual meeting with judicial officers across the state to assess the ongoing preparations for the Lok Adalat. Justice Sanjay K. Agrawal, the Executive Chairman of CGSLSA, co-chaired the meeting.
Principal District Judges/Chairpersons, Secretaries of District Legal Services Authorities (DLSAs), Family Court Judges, Chairpersons of Permanent Lok Adalats, Chief Judicial Magistrates, and Judges of Labour Courts actively participated in the virtual discussion.
During the meeting, Chief Justice Sinha urged all judicial officers to prioritize the identification and resolution of the maximum number of old pending civil and criminal compoundable cases. He specifically emphasized focusing on cases involving women, senior citizens, matters under the Negotiable Instruments Act, and Motor Accident Claims.
Furthermore, the Chief Justice appealed to the judicial officers to encourage litigants to settle their disputes through pre-litigation mechanisms in the upcoming National Lok Adalat, highlighting it as an effective and efficient alternative for dispute resolution.
Addressing the judicial officers, Chief Justice Sinha stressed the importance of conducting pre-sitting arrangements with litigants. He also called for intensified efforts in identifying a higher volume of cases, particularly those related to Negotiable Instruments and Motor Accident Claims. In these matters, he suggested that stakeholders such as Insurance and Finance Companies could be persuaded to ensure maximum coordination and facilitate the settlement of disputes.
As per the directives of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA), New Delhi, the National Lok Adalat on May 10 will be organized across all judicial platforms, including the high court, District Courts, Tehsil Courts, Family Courts, Forums, and Tribunals, as well as all Revenue Courts.
The Lok Adalat will address civil and criminal compoundable cases and other relevant matters to facilitate dispute resolution. Additionally, disputes concerning Public Utility Services will be taken up through Mohalla Lok Adalats during this nationwide initiative.