CJ inaugurates 4th National Lok Adalat in Poonch

Jammu, Dec 14: Chief Justice of  High Court of J&K and Ladakh (Patron-in-Chief, J&K Legal Services Authority) Justice Tashi Rabstan today inaugurated the 4th National Lok Adalat in Poonch.

According to an official press release, 2,33,048 cases  were settled across  the Jammu and Kashmir during the Lok Adalat. “ With the aim of resolving and providing quick, affordable as well as hassle free resolution of disputes as mandated under Constitution of India, the 4th and final National Lok Adalat of the calendar year 2024 was held today throughout the U.T of J&K under the patronage of Justice Tashi Rabstan, Chief Justice, High Court of J&K and Ladakh (Patron-in-Chief, J&K Legal Services Authority) and dynamic mentorship of Justice Atul Sreedharan, Executive Chairman, J&K Legal Services Authorityaslso under the able guidance of Justice Rajnesh Oswal, Chairperson, High Court Legal Services Committee,” the press release said.

The Chief Justice, accompanied by Shahzad Azeem, Registrar General, High Court of J&K and Ladakh, and Amit Kumar Gupta, Member Secretary, J&K Legal Services Authority, inaugurated the National Lok Adalat at the District Court Complex, Poonch.

During the Lok Adalat, Chief Justice inspected different benches and interacted with the Presiding officers, members of the benches, Advocates and litigants. While addressing a gathering, Justice Tashi Rabstan underscored the pivotal role of mediation and ADR mechanisms in the justice delivery system, highlighting their cost-effectiveness and ability to preserve relationships. Emphasizing the importance of deciding the matters of family disputes at the earliest, especially those of custody, he stated, “Child custody cases require utmost priority as they affect innocent children who have no role in the litigation. With collective efforts of counsels and presiding officers, these disputes can be settled amicably, ensuring justice and a better future for the child.” He further urged judicial officers to explore possibilities of dispute resolution at the pre-litigation stage to minimise delays