Mediation settlement of cases gaining momentum: SC judge

Mysuru: Supreme Court judge Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul, who is the executive chairman of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA), stated that the pre-institution mediation settlement in commercial cases has gained significant momentum, and similar progress is foreseen in mediation of amicable settlement of disputes.
He was speaking after inaugurating the south zone regional conference on the theme ‘Enhancing Access to Justice’ organised by NALSA. Stressing upon the need for proactive and realistic approach, he stated that in the national Lok Adalat held in 2023, a total 30.6 lakh pending cases and 1.8 crore pre-litigation cases were disposed of, which he attributed to the legal awareness achieved by legal services institutions. In the current FY 2022-23, a total 3.9 lakh legal awareness camps were organised, and 5.7 crore have benefited, he said.
Supreme Court judge Justice Sanjiv Khanna narrated the role of legal services institutions vis-à-vis articles 14, 21, 22[1], 38 and 39[A] of the Constitution. Justice Khanna underlined the importance of procedural rights in the adjudication of criminal cases. Justice Prasanna B Varale, Chief Justice of High Court of Karnataka, patron-in-chief, KSLSA, stressed upon the need for developing tailor made solutions to the unique needs of communities, and delivering justice through the power of technology. He also urged to empower local communities, and build their capacity to demand justice. Justice B Veerappa, judge, high court of Karnataka and executive chairman, KSLSA, Justice K Somashekar, judge, Karnataka HCand chairman, High Court Legal Services Committee, were present.
Members of advisory and consultative committee of NALSA, executive chairman of SLSAs, chairpersons of HCLSCs and member secretaries of SLSAs from 7 states were the delegates at the conference, stated a release.