THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Dumka, Dec 13: Justice should not remain confined to court buildings but must be felt in the everyday lives of ordinary citizens, Chief Justice Tarlok Singh Chauhan said while virtually inaugurating the National Lok Adalat across Jharkhand from Dumka on Friday.
The fourth and final National Lok Adalat of the year was held simultaneously in all districts of the state. A state-level legal services and empowerment camp was also organised at the Convention Centre in Dumka.
Justice as Empowerment, Not Confrontation
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Justice said legal services today are no longer limited to free legal aid but have become a tool for overall citizen empowerment. Platforms such as Lok Adalats, legal aid services and conciliation mechanisms, he said, help resolve disputes while strengthening social harmony and mutual trust.
He stressed that justice works best when it is collaborative rather than confrontational. He added that the judiciary is continuously working to ensure equality, dignity, and easy access to justice for the most vulnerable members of society.
The Chief Justice also appreciated a short film presented by the Legal Aid Clinic, saying creative initiatives help highlight the struggles of common people and improve legal awareness.
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Legal Awareness and Welfare Services Under One Roof
Alongside the Lok Adalat, multiple government departments set up stalls to provide on-the-spot services related to legal awareness, social security, health, livelihood, identity documents and welfare schemes. Beneficiaries received information and assistance without procedural hurdles.
Judicial officers, district administration officials, panel lawyers and paralegal volunteers participated in the programme.
Judges Flag Social Issues, Stress Awareness
Justice Sujit Narayan Prasad highlighted the continued branding of women as witches due to superstition, calling it a serious social evil rooted in ignorance. He urged people to spread legal awareness and educate communities about the law.
Justice Ananda Sen said Lok Adalats provide quick and effective dispute resolution and ensure access to justice regardless of economic or geographical barriers, especially in remote areas like Dumka.
Justice Pradeep Kumar Srivastava stressed that benefits related to health, education, labour and social security should reach eligible persons without delay. He also expressed concern over child labour and child marriage, calling for stronger preventive action.
Over 16.7 Lakh Cases Disposed Across Jharkhand
The National Lok Adalat achieved large-scale dispute resolution across the state.
15,17,243 pre-litigation cases disposed of
1,61,248 pending cases settled
Total cases resolved: over 16.78 lakh
Settlement value: ₹9,18,85,23,930
Assets worth ₹13 crore distributed to around 25,000 beneficiaries
At the Jharkhand High Court premises, two Lok Adalat benches disposed of 37 pending cases.
Welfare Benefits Distributed to Beneficiaries
During the programme, beneficiaries received compensation under motor accident claims, Abua Health Cards, housing keys under Abua Awas Yojana, pension approvals, livestock and poultry scheme assistance, forest rights titles, hearing aids, ration cards and financial support under various livelihood schemes.
Outreach Aimed at Last-Mile Justice
The event concluded with the release of awareness materials prepared by JHALSA and the inspection of departmental stalls by judicial officers. Organisers said such programmes aim to bridge the gap between citizens and justice delivery systems, especially in tribal and remote regions.
