Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 11 March 2025
The High Court Legal Services Committee (HCLSC), Calcutta High Court Circuit Bench at Port Blair, organized the first National Lok Adalat of 2025 on Saturday, reaffirming its commitment to accessible and speedy justice.
Hon’ble Justice Shampa Sarkar, Judge of the Calcutta High Court and Chairperson of the High Court Legal Services Committee, presided over the Lok Adalat, accompanied by Ms. G. Mini, Senior Advocate, District Court, Port Blair, as a member. The session successfully resolved six out of 18 pending cases, highlighting the effectiveness of alternative dispute resolution in alleviating judicial backlog.
Lok Adalats, or ‘People’s Courts,’ function outside conventional judicial proceedings to provide swift and cost-effective justice. Recognized under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987, these courts play a crucial role in extending legal aid to the weaker sections of society, in line with the constitutional mandate under Article 39A.
Justice Sarkar emphasized the revival of the High Court Legal Services Committee at Port Blair, which had been inactive since 2006. She expressed her gratitude to Hon’ble Chief Justice of the Calcutta High Court, Patron-in-Chief Mr. Justice T.S. Sivagnanam, for his support in reactivating the committee. She also acknowledged the contributions of the Andaman & Nicobar Bar Association and the local administration in making the initiative a success.
National Lok Adalats address various disputes, including motor accident claims, land acquisition cases, unpaid bank loans, and partition matters. The awards given in these proceedings carry the same weight as civil court decrees and are legally binding. Additionally, no court fee is required, and if a settlement is reached, any court fee paid is refunded.
The Registrar of the Circuit Bench and his team were lauded for their efforts in ensuring the smooth conduct of the event. The successful Lok Adalat at Port Blair marks a significant step in strengthening the justice system, reducing legal burdens, and ensuring timely justice for litigants.
As a special gesture, Justice Sarkar presented flower bouquets to all women participants in honour of International Women’s Day.