Honorable Mr. Justice Ashutosh Kumar, the Acting Chief Justice of Patna High Court addressed Permanent Lok Adalat, at Bihar Legal Service Authority, emphasizing “You don’t just resolve a dispute, you build trust”.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!
PATNA: Acting Chief Justice Ashutosh Kumar said that “You don’t just resolve a dispute, you build trust”and supported the words of Justice Pancholi that “The Permanent Lok Adalat serves as a hybrid forum, ensuring speedy, accessible, and balanced resolution of disputes”.
While speaking at the ‘Induction-cum-Orientation Programme’ for newly recruited Chairman and Member of Permanent Lok Adalat, he addressed how to decide a case or how to resolve a dispute.
In an inspiring address delivered at a Lok Adalat event, Justice Ashutosh Kumar emphasized a transformative vision for the justice delivery system, one rooted in compassion, practicality, and trust. Speaking directly to newly appointed chairpersons and members of the Permanent Lok Adalats, Justice Ashutosh Kumar highlighted their unique role in shaping a justice system that goes far beyond legal formalities.
Addressing all the chairman and member of the Lok Adalat, he said,
“Assuming office at the Permanent People’s Court is not just a routine administrative formality, it’s a meaningful step toward fulfilling a deeper commitment. While you’re aware of the scope and limitations set by the Legal Services Act, that’s only one part of the role; beyond the legal framework lies a greater responsibility.”
He emphasised on the practical steps for handling issue by sharing a case from South India.
A 60-year-old woman fell while getting off a bus and sought compensation from the bus corporation. The corporation denied responsibility, arguing it wasn’t their fault. During the hearing before the Permanent Lok Adalat, the chairman, an experienced judge didn’t rely solely on legal arguments.
Instead, he asked a simple but powerful question, “Would you take the same stand if the injured woman were your mother?” The question moved the room, prompting the corporation to offer fair compensation. In response, the woman, touched by the gesture, declined the money and offered her blessings, demonstrating what true justice feels like.
Further after sharing this case, Justice said,
“This is the essence of dispute resolution, not just settling a case, but building trust.”
“The Permanent Lok Adalat isn’t a court in the strict legal sense, nor merely a conciliatory body. As rightly pointed out by Justice Pancholi, it functions as a hybrid forum, one that ensures speedy, accessible, and balanced justice.”
He also emphasized,
“It’s important to help parties understand that making a concession doesn’t reflect weakness. Resolving a dispute doesn’t mean surrendering rights, it’s about achieving mutual respect. Once this understanding is established between the parties, your role is truly fulfilled.”
He told that, he haven’t served in a Lok Adala, but often use the same approach in my judicial decisions. He shared one more case from the Western India,
In a village near Gujarat, two once-friendly neighboring families became bitter rivals over a small strip of land that divided their properties. Years of hostility and ruined crops followed, and the dispute eventually reached the Permanent Lok Adalat.
Instead of focusing solely on legal ownership, the chairman—an experienced judge—took a human approach. He asked an elder, “Who planted the neem tree on that land?” The elder replied it was his father, and as children, both families would rest under its shade. The judge then remarked, “This tree once united you, but now this land divides you.”
That simple reflection shifted perspectives. With the help of conciliators and surveyors, the families mutually redrew the boundary,no legal judgment, no technical jargon, just peace.
The judge emphasized,
“Tis the true role of the Permanent Lok Adalat, not just resolving legal disputes, but restoring trust and harmony. Courts should do more than apply laws; they should help rebuild society. And when you bring peace to the ordinary person’s life, that is real justice.”
FOLLOW US ON YOUTUBE FOR MORE LEGAL UPDATES
