India-Pakistan Tensions: NALSA Postpones 2nd National Lok Adalat In Border States/UTs Citing Security Concerns
Amid "escalating tensions and war like situation along the India-Pakistan border", the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) has announced the postponement of the 2nd National Lok Adalat in select northern States and Union Territories citing safety and security concerns.A letter issued by NALSA's Member Secretary SC Munghate to all state legal services authorities on Friday (May 9)...
Amid "escalating tensions and war like situation along the India-Pakistan border", the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) has announced the postponement of the 2nd National Lok Adalat in select northern States and Union Territories citing safety and security concerns.
A letter issued by NALSA's Member Secretary SC Munghate to all state legal services authorities on Friday (May 9) states, that the decision for deferring the Lok Adalat has been approved by NALSA's Executive Chairman Supreme Court Justice BR Gavai, in view of "serious concerns regarding public safety and law and order in certain border-prone districts and other potentially affected States".
The letter states that the state authorities have been asked to reschedule the National Lok Adalat at a later date, once conducive conditions prevail.
The letter states: "Given the volatile situation and the likelihood of disturbances, the 2nd National Lok Adalat scheduled for 10th May 2025 is deferred in the States/UTs: Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh. The concerned State Legal Services Authorities are requested to reschedule the National Lok Adalat at a later date, once conducive conditions prevail. Advance intimation may kindly be issued to the public, parties, and stakeholders regarding the deferment.For the remaining States and Union Territories, the decision to proceed or postpone the 2nd National Lok Adalat is left to the discretion of the respective Executive Chairmen, SLSAs and Chairmen, HCLSCs, based on ground-level security assessments and consultation with local administration."
The letter states that NALSA seeks to uphold the "safety of litigants, legal aid beneficiaries, PLVs, judicial officers, and all stakeholders", without compromising the spirit of access to justice.