March 11, 2026 : In a significant step towards reducing judicial pendency and strengthening access to justice, Ramesh Sinha, Chief Justice of the High Court of Chhattisgarh and Patron-in-Chief of the Chhattisgarh State Legal Services Authority (CGSLSA), convened a virtual review meeting with judicial officers across the State to assess the preparations for the upcoming National Lok Adalat scheduled for 14 March 2026.
The meeting was attended by all Principal District Judges and Chairpersons of District Legal Services Authorities (DLSAs), Secretaries of DLSAs, Judges of Family Courts, Chairpersons of Permanent Lok Adalats, Chief Judicial Magistrates, and Judges of Labour Courts from across Chhattisgarh.
The virtual meeting was co-chaired by Sanjay K. Agrawal, Executive Chairman of the Chhattisgarh State Legal Services Authority, and Parth Prateem Sahu, Chairman of the High Court Legal Services Committee, Bilaspur.
During the meeting, Chief Justice Ramesh Sinha emphasized the need for special and concerted efforts by judicial officers to identify and dispose of the maximum number of long-pending civil cases and compoundable criminal matters through the National Lok Adalat. He highlighted that particular attention should be given to cases involving women and senior citizens, disputes under the Negotiable Instruments Act, and Motor Accident Claim cases.
The Chief Justice also urged all judicial officers to actively motivate litigants to resolve disputes through the National Lok Adalat, both at the pre-litigation stage and in pending matters before courts. He noted that the Lok Adalat system has emerged as an effective alternative dispute resolution mechanism that provides speedy, accessible, and cost-effective justice.
As per the annual calendar issued by the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA), New Delhi, the National Lok Adalat will be held on 14 March 2026 across all courts and tribunals in the State. This includes proceedings at the High Court, District Courts, Tehsil Courts, Family Courts, various tribunals, forums, and all Revenue Courts.
A wide range of civil disputes and compoundable criminal cases will be taken up for amicable settlement during the Lok Adalat proceedings.
Additionally, disputes relating to Public Utility Services will also be addressed through Mohalla Lok Adalats, aimed at strengthening outreach and ensuring greater access to justice at the grassroots level.
According to the latest data received from districts across the State, a total of 40,21,821 pre-litigation cases and 97,788 pending cases have been identified for settlement during the upcoming National Lok Adalat. Continuous efforts are being undertaken by judicial officers and legal services authorities to facilitate amicable resolution of these disputes.
