Crucial challenge lies in popularizing the idea of E-Lok Adalats at grass-root level: Justice NV Ramana at inauguration of Mega e-Lok Adalat

Supreme Court Judge and Executive Chairman of the National Legal Services Authority, Justice NV Ramana today e-Inaugurated the Mega e-Lok Adalat organised by the Karnataka State Legal Services Authority, Bengaluru and the High Court Legal Services Committee. .The event was live-streamed on Youtube:.In his inaugural speech, Justice Ramana expressed his happiness on the occasion, stating that the Legal Services Authorities, throughout the country, have adapted to the new changes amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. He added that the Mega e-Lok Adalat is one such example.."I am extremely happy to note that in the midst of an extraordinary phase casued by COVID-19, Legal Services Authorities throughout the country, have innovatively adpated to the change. Today's e-Lok Adalat is one such instance, reflecting of such transformation.Justice NV Ramana.He noted that with COVID-19, the integration of technology is important for providing access to justice, especially to people in rural areas. ."The concept of e-Lok Adalat has the potential to transform the legal landscape of India by providing millions of people a platform to settle their grievances", said Justice Ramana. .Justice Ramana also spoke on the various benefits of Lok Adalats. He pointed out that such a mechanism is cost-effective and less time-consuming. Now, parties can attend Lok Adalat proceedings from their respective business places or home as well, added the Supreme Court Judge. .If the facilities of Lok Adalats are effectively conducted, the same would reduce the stress on Courts, he emphasised..However, Justice Ramana noted that the real challenge is to spread the word about Lok Adalats. ."The crucial challenge lies in popularizing the idea of E-Lok Adalats at the grass root levels. We should take steps to provide access in those areas where people do not have the facility of video conferencing."Justice NV Ramana.Chief Justice of the Karnataka High Court, Abhay Shreeniwas Oka, in his address observed that due to COVID-19, there have been arrears in the disposal of cases. This was one of the primary reasons to begin Lok Adalats meetings via video conferencing for litigants, he noted. .Chief Justice Oka also expressed hope that the Mega Lok Adalat will turn out to be successful and that a large number of cases will be disposed of off, thereby, helping many litigants. .Justice Aravind Kumar, Executive Chairman of the Karnataka State Legal Services Authority and Justice Alok Aradhe, Chairman of the High Court Legal Services Committee, Bengaluru also graced the occasion with a few words. .The event further witnessed the presence of Supreme Court Judges such as Justice S Abdul Nazeer and Justice AS Bopanna, as well as High Court Judges along with other dignitaries.