In an effort to reduce the backlog of cases pending before the Supreme Court, the top court has commenced a five-day special Lok Adalat from Monday. This initiative marks the 75th year of the Supreme Court's establishment and will run from July 29 to August 3.

The Supreme Court has encouraged citizens to participate in the Lok Adalat for voluntary and amicable dispute resolution. To facilitate the process, the Supreme Court Registry has set up dedicated video conference links for Special Lok Adalat sessions in Courts Nos. 1 to 7.

The Special Lok Adalat sessions, held daily after 2 pm, will feature two Supreme Court judges, a senior advocate, and an Advocate-on-Record. Litigants will also be present for their cases. Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud has urged citizens with pending cases to engage in the Special Lok Adalat for a swift and amicable resolution.

Lok Adalats play a crucial role in the judicial system by promoting alternative dispute resolution to expedite settlements. The focus will be on cases suitable for settlement, such as matrimonial and property disputes, motor accident claims, land acquisition, compensation, service, and labor issues.

Currently, the Supreme Court registry has identified over 2,200 cases for the five-day period starting July 29, with seven courts dedicated to the Special Lok Adalat. Among these, 911 cases are related to motor accident claims. Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal informed Parliament last week that the pendency of cases in the Supreme Court has risen by 35% in the past five years, from 59,859 in 2019 to 80,765 by the end of 2023, highlighting an increase of over 20,900 cases in this period.