The Rajasthan High Court has initiated a suo motu case over non-functioning of at least 16 permanent Lok Adalats in the state..The Division Bench of Justice Shree Chandrashekhar and Justice Sandeep Shah asked the State Chief Secretary and top officers of various departments to file their response in the matter by May 15."A report published in the daily newspaper ‘Dainik Bhaskar’ dated 13th May 2025 flags a very serious issue concerning ‘Access to Justice’. It is stated in this report that there are as many as 16 permanent Lok Adalats which are not functioning due to an order passed by the State Government on 09th April 2025. Raising a serious concern regarding the settlement of disputes, this newspaper report indicates that about 972 cases are pending at Jodhpur. Quite apparently, there is a high probability that there may be about 10,000 cases pending settlement through the permanent Lok Adalats," the Court recorded in the order passed on May 13..According to news reports, the functioning of the Lok Adalats has got stalled as the State government has declined to extend the tenure of the former Chairman and members of these bodies.Rajasthan State Legal Services Authority had earlier recommended the extension of tenure of these members. However, the government has reportedly stated that the tenure of the appointees cannot be extended in view of the Rules..Advocate Manish Sisodia has been appointed as Amicus Curiae in the matter. Additional Advocate General Mahaveer Bishnoi appeared for the State government.The matter will be taken up for hearing on May 15..[Read Order]
The Rajasthan High Court has initiated a suo motu case over non-functioning of at least 16 permanent Lok Adalats in the state..The Division Bench of Justice Shree Chandrashekhar and Justice Sandeep Shah asked the State Chief Secretary and top officers of various departments to file their response in the matter by May 15."A report published in the daily newspaper ‘Dainik Bhaskar’ dated 13th May 2025 flags a very serious issue concerning ‘Access to Justice’. It is stated in this report that there are as many as 16 permanent Lok Adalats which are not functioning due to an order passed by the State Government on 09th April 2025. Raising a serious concern regarding the settlement of disputes, this newspaper report indicates that about 972 cases are pending at Jodhpur. Quite apparently, there is a high probability that there may be about 10,000 cases pending settlement through the permanent Lok Adalats," the Court recorded in the order passed on May 13..According to news reports, the functioning of the Lok Adalats has got stalled as the State government has declined to extend the tenure of the former Chairman and members of these bodies.Rajasthan State Legal Services Authority had earlier recommended the extension of tenure of these members. However, the government has reportedly stated that the tenure of the appointees cannot be extended in view of the Rules..Advocate Manish Sisodia has been appointed as Amicus Curiae in the matter. Additional Advocate General Mahaveer Bishnoi appeared for the State government.The matter will be taken up for hearing on May 15..[Read Order]
