March 14, 2026 : Following the directions of the National Legal Services Authority, New Delhi, and the Chhattisgarh State Legal Services Authority, Bilaspur, the first National Lok Adalat of 2026 was organized today (Saturday) under the District Legal Services Authority, South Bastar Dantewada.

The Lok Adalat was held simultaneously at the District and Sessions Court Dantewada, the Court of the Chief Judicial Magistrate in Sukma and Bijapur, the Court of the Judicial Magistrate First Class in Bacheli, as well as in the revenue courts across the three revenue districts of Dantewada, Sukma, and Bijapur.

The event was inaugurated in the auditorium of the Nyaya Sadan of the District Legal Services Authority by Principal District and Sessions Judge Santosh Kumar Aditya with the ceremonial worship of Goddess Saraswati and lighting of the traditional lamp.

On the occasion, he encouraged all presiding officers, judges, advocates, and staff members to work collectively towards resolving the maximum number of pending cases and extended his best wishes for the success of the initiative.

Addressing the gathering, he highlighted that disputes settled through National Lok Adalats are resolved through mutual consent, ensuring that no party feels defeated. Such settlements help maintain harmony and goodwill between the parties and eliminate hostility and prolonged conflicts.

During the programme, the Principal District Judge also inspected the various benches constituted for the National Lok Adalat.