In order to ensure accessible and affordable justice for every citizen, Kerala has introduced online filing and hearing facilities for Permanent Lok Adalats.
The significant step, aimed at leveraging technology to bridge the justice gap, especially for marginalised communities, has made Kerala the first Indian state to introduce the online filing system for Permanent Lok Adalats.
Kerala currently hosts three Permanent Lok Adalats in Thiruvananthapuram, Ernakulam, and Kozhikode.
The pioneering initiative, taken by the Kerala State Legal Services Authority (KELSA), would especially benefit the litigants belonging to remote areas, who travelled long distances to file even small claims at these centres.
The applicants can now file their cases online from anywhere in the state, saving resources, time and efforts.
The new digital service, which will become fully operational from the first week of May, also includes provisions for online hearings. To ensure inclusivity and ease of access, facilities such as online filing and hearings will be made available through e-Sewa Kendras, as well as at district and taluk-level legal services authorities.
Chief Justice of Kerala High Court Nitin Madhukar Jamdar officially inaugurated the online filing system on April 11, during a function organised by KELSA.
The digital transition reflected Kerala’s continued leadership in legal and technological innovation.
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