THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Ranchi, March 8: “Lok Adalat is a medium for quick and easy justice,” said Justice Sujit Narayan Prasad, Executive Chairman of the Jharkhand State Legal Services Authority (JHALSA), while inaugurating the National Lok Adalat virtually from the Civil Court, Ranchi. He emphasized the importance of resolving disputes through mediation to save both time and money for litigants.
1.87 Million Cases Disposed of
A total of 1,870,657 cases were settled during the Lok Adalat, which included:
- 146,918 pending cases
- 1,723,793 pre-litigation cases
- Total settlement amount: ₹8,085,028,598 crore
Justice Prasad noted that while the National Lok Adalat was traditionally inaugurated from JHALSA, this year marked the first time it was launched from the Civil Court, Ranchi. He expressed plans to continue this practice in collaboration with District Legal Services Authorities (DALSA) in the future.
During the event, Justice Prasad inspected various stalls set up in the Civil Court and inaugurated the renovated post office complex within the premises. He and other dignitaries also distributed cheques to beneficiaries and inspected the Lok Adalat benches where cases were being settled.
Speeches and Key Highlights
Member Secretary Kumari Ranjana Asthana, in her welcome speech, highlighted JHALSA’s achievements under Justice Prasad’s leadership. She also expressed pride in the virtual inauguration coinciding with International Women’s Day.
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Judicial Commissioner Diwakar Pandey, in his vote of thanks, described Lok Adalat as an effective platform for case resolution. He also noted that under Prasad’s guidance, Jharkhand led in pending case settlements last year.
General Secretary of the Ranchi District Bar Association, Sanjay Vidrohi, spoke on women empowerment, recognizing their growing contributions in various fields and emphasizing the importance of respecting women.
Deputy Commissioner Manjunath Bhajantri highlighted Lok Adalat’s role in providing free legal aid to the underprivileged and discussed the Maiyaan Samman Yojana, a government initiative for women’s welfare.
Women’s Day Celebrations
On the occasion of International Women’s Day, all speakers stressed the importance of women empowerment. Women advocates and judicial officers were felicitated, and schoolgirls received awards for various competitions organized by DLSA.
Event Attendees
The event was attended by:
- Family Court judge, S.S. Fatmi
- Senior Superintendent of Police, Ranchi, Chandan Kumar Sinha
- Additional Family Court judge, Sanjita Shrivastava
- Senior Superintendent, Post Office, Udaybhan Singh
- Dr. Nitin Sharan
- President of Ranchi District Bar Association, Shambhu Prasad Agarwal
- Other judicial officers, advocates, and distinguished guests