In a unique and historic event, Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud and senior Supreme Court Advocate Kapil Sibal shared the bench at a Lok Adalat session today, marking a rare collaboration at the apex court. This session, part of the ongoing Lok Adalat proceedings, runs from July 29 to August 2, with hearings starting from 2 PM each day.
The Lok Adalat, which aims to resolve small cases and disputes through amicable settlements, witnessed a notable case today. Chief Justice Chandrachud recounted a particularly poignant example where a husband and wife, originally embroiled in divorce and maintenance disputes, decided to reconcile and live together happily. In a testament to the Lok Adalat’s effectiveness, the wife waived her maintenance claim, reflecting a successful mediation outcome.
Justice Chandrachud emphasized that the purpose of Lok Adalat is to address and resolve smaller, yet significant, cases efficiently. He pointed out that cases related to service disputes, labor issues, land acquisition, and motor accident claims are often heard in these sessions. The Chief Justice expressed hope that Lok Adalat will become a more institutionalized part of the Supreme Court’s functions in the future.
Kapil Sibal, reflecting on his participation, described the experience as an “honor” and a unique opportunity to engage directly in judicial processes from the bench’s perspective. He praised the Supreme Court’s initiative of live streaming and the establishment of Lok Adalat as a commendable step for enhancing justice accessibility.
The session also featured various other benches comprising Supreme Court judges and senior advocates, each handling different cases to ensure broad coverage and effective resolution. Notable participants included Justice Sanjiv Khanna, Justice K V Vishwanathan, Justice BR Gavai, Justice MM Sundresh, and Justice Suryakant, among others.
The involvement of prominent bar members alongside judges in these proceedings sends a strong message of unity and commitment to justice, particularly for cases that impact the common people directly. SCORA Secretary Nikhil Jain hailed this initiative as a historic step that promises significant benefits for the public.
Sources By Agencies
