Kerala has become the first state in India to introduce online filing and hearing facilities for Permanent Lok Adalats. .This initiative of the Kerala State Legal Services Authority (KELSA) seeks to improve the accessibility of justice, especially for marginalised communities..The online filing system was officially inaugurated on April 11 by the Kerala High Court Chief Justice Nitin M Jamdar at a function organised by KELSA. This digital transition for Lok Adalats aligns with the Kerala judiciary's broader vision of ensuring accessible and affordable justice for every citizen, by leveraging technology..Kerala currently hosts three Permanent Lok Adalats- one each in Thiruvananthapuram, Ernakulam, and Kozhikode. Until now, litigants were required to go these centres and physically file even the smallest of claims. This proved to essentially act as an unfortunate barrier to justice, especially for those who reside in remote areas.But now, applicants can file their cases online from anywhere in the State. The service, which will be fully operational from the first week of May, also includes provisions for online hearings. To ensure inclusivity and ease of access, facilities for online filing and hearings will be made available through e-Sewa Kendras, and at district and taluk-level legal services authorities.
Kerala has become the first state in India to introduce online filing and hearing facilities for Permanent Lok Adalats. .This initiative of the Kerala State Legal Services Authority (KELSA) seeks to improve the accessibility of justice, especially for marginalised communities..The online filing system was officially inaugurated on April 11 by the Kerala High Court Chief Justice Nitin M Jamdar at a function organised by KELSA. This digital transition for Lok Adalats aligns with the Kerala judiciary's broader vision of ensuring accessible and affordable justice for every citizen, by leveraging technology..Kerala currently hosts three Permanent Lok Adalats- one each in Thiruvananthapuram, Ernakulam, and Kozhikode. Until now, litigants were required to go these centres and physically file even the smallest of claims. This proved to essentially act as an unfortunate barrier to justice, especially for those who reside in remote areas.But now, applicants can file their cases online from anywhere in the State. The service, which will be fully operational from the first week of May, also includes provisions for online hearings. To ensure inclusivity and ease of access, facilities for online filing and hearings will be made available through e-Sewa Kendras, and at district and taluk-level legal services authorities.
