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The Supreme Court of India, marking its 75th anniversary, has embarked on an unprecedented initiative – a week-long Lok Adalat, a “mega settlement drive” designed to expedite the resolution of thousands of cases. This innovative approach, led by Chief Justice of India D Y Chandrachud, signifies a shift towards alternative dispute redressal, offering a blend of swift justice and informal proceedings. The Lok Adalat, a traditional Indian mechanism for amicable settlement of disputes, has been brought to the highest court in the land, aiming to tackle the burgeoning backlog of cases that has plagued the Indian legal system for years.
The Supreme Court has been facing a growing burden of pending cases. As per figures presented by the Union Law Minister, the pendency in the Supreme Court stood at a staggering 807,65 cases as of December 2023, a significant 35% increase compared to the 59,859 cases at the end of 2019. The Lok Adalat, with its emphasis on amicable settlements and compromise, is seen as a potential solution to this backlog. The aim is to provide swift justice to litigants while minimizing litigation costs. This innovative initiative has been met with a positive response from legal professionals and advocates, who are actively participating in the proceedings.
The Lok Adalat proceedings have been characterized by their informal nature, a stark departure from the traditional formality of Supreme Court hearings. Judges, including the CJI, have been seen in less formal attire, and the proceedings themselves have been marked by a lighter, more conversational tone. This shift in atmosphere is intended to create a more conducive environment for parties to reach amicable settlements. The CJI’s courtroom saw a number of tax-related cases, many of which were withdrawn due to not meeting the monetary limit set for filing appeals in the Supreme Court. Other courtrooms witnessed the settlement of long-pending insurance cases, with judges even using unconventional methods, like sharing contact numbers, to facilitate quick communication and resolution. The success of this initiative will depend on its ability to significantly reduce the number of pending cases and provide a more efficient and accessible system of justice for all.
Source: As SC courtrooms turn into lok adalats, speedy justice and quick wit