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Under the theme “Yoga for One Earth, One Health”, the International Yoga Day was observed on 21st June 2025, at 11:00 AM in the DSLSA Conference Hall. The session witnessed the presence of the Sh. Abhinav Pandey, Ld. Secretary, (Litigation), DSLSA, along with enthusiastic participation of branch Incharges and all other staff members, who gathered to celebrate the spirit of Yoga.

Sh. Abhinav Pandey, Ld. Secretary (Litigation), DSLSA, delivered an insightful talk highlighting the importance of Yoga. He urged everyone to adopt Yoga as a daily habit and a way of life. He suggested integrating Yoga into school curricula and workplace wellness programs to promote healthy living. He also emphasized using digital platforms to spread awareness globally and encouraged international workshops by Indian Yoga experts. He linked Yoga with healthy eating, mental well-being, and eco-friendly living for a better world.

The event was organised with the objective of promoting health, harmony, and overall well-being through the practice of Yoga. The session included guided yoga exercises and breathing techniques that helped participants experience the physical and mental benefits of this ancient discipline.

Additionally, Central-II DLSA, Rouse Avenue court Complex also observed International Yoga Day in collaboration with Bhartiya Yoga Sansthan, which witnessed the presence of Sh. Kanwaljeet Arora, Ld. Principal District and Sessions Judge, Rouse Avenue Courts, Sh. Abhinav Pandey, Ld. Secretary (Litigation), DSLSA and other Ld. Judicial Officers and Court Staff. The active involvement of all attendees made the celebration a meaningful and impactful experience.

An orientation session for NALSA Interns from various colleges across India was held on 16th June 2025 at the Conference Hall of Rouse Avenue Courts, New Delhi. A total of 34 interns participated in the session.

The session commenced with an interactive discussion led by Sh. Mridul Gupta, Ld. Additional Secretary, DSLSA, and Sh. Kumar Rahul, Ld. Secretary, DLSA, New Delhi. Sh. Mridul Gupta briefed the interns about the Legal Services Authorities Act, the concept of legal awareness, and the functioning of National Lok Adalats. He highlighted the widening scope of legal services. He elaborated on counselling services, and the eligibility criteria for availing free legal aid — including marginalized sections such as SC/STs, women, children, senior citizens, industrial workers, Begar, persons with HIV, acid attack survivors, and transgender persons.

He also explained the structure of Legal Services Authorities, and gave an overview of physical and virtual access points for availing free legal aid. Furthermore, he highlighted the importance of free legal services in bodies like the Juvenile Justice Board (JJB) and the Child Welfare Committee (CWC).
Following this, Sh. Kumar Rahul, Ld. Secretary, DLSA (New Delhi), conducted a detailed session on the Delhi Victim Compensation Scheme (DVCS). He discussed the year of its initiation, its objectives, and clearly explained the difference between Section 357 and Section 357A of the CrPC in the context of victim compensation.

The interns enthusiastically participated in the session and expressed keen interest in understanding the institutional framework of various legal service authorities and their role in ensuring access to justice for all. The session covered key technical aspects such as the statutory mandate under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987, provisions under Section 12 of the Act specifying eligibility for free legal aid, and the functions of District and State Legal Services Authorities under Section 7 and Section 10, respectively. The interns also gained insights into the procedure for filing applications for compensation under Section 357A of the CrPC, and the intersection of juvenile justice law with the JJ Act, 2015. The orientation further explained the use of technology-enabled platforms such as the CPGRAMS portal and the 1516 helpline for grievance redressal and legal aid access.

As per the orientation schedule, the interns also visited the DLSA office at New Delhi, where they received firsthand exposure to practical working aspects of the legal aid system. They observed the functioning of the Front Office, the process of legal aid delivery, and procedures related to victim compensation claims. The visit provided them with practical insights into how legal services are administered at the ground level. The interns found the experience enriching and enjoyable, gaining both academic and field knowledge.

Overall, the orientation session proved to be highly informative, technically enriching, and engaging for all attendees, offering a comprehensive overview of India’s legal aid ecosystem and the vital role played by legal services authorities in ensuring access to justice for the marginalized.

HelpAge India organised a national-level event on the occasion of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on Friday, 13th June 2025, at the Main Auditorium, India International Centre, New Delhi. The event took place from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM and witnessed participation from civil society organisations, legal professionals, youth representatives, and media. The theme for this year’s event was “Bridging Generations, Building Futures”, focusing on strengthening intergenerational relationships and improving the quality of life for older persons.

Shri Mridul Gupta, Ld. Additional Secretary, DSLSA, was invited to the event and graciously participated in the proceedings. He addressed the gathering and highlighted the significance of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, emphasizing the urgent need for stronger legal safeguards and meaningful youth engagement to ensure the protection, dignity, and well-being of senior citizens. As part of the event, a dedicated session was also conducted on the topic, “Role of laws in ensuring the well-being of older persons and the role of youth in creating awareness about their rights,” which further enriched the discussion and underlined the importance of intergenerational responsibility.

The discussions throughout the event aimed to foster empathy, bridge generational gaps, and develop inclusive approaches for elder care. This session was highly appreciated by all participants for its relevance, depth, and emphasis on legal awareness as a tool for social change.

World Environment Day was celebrated on 5th June 2025 at the Delhi State Legal Services Authority (DSLSA), Rouse Avenue Courts, New Delhi, to raise awareness about pressing environmental issues and to encourage action for the protection of our planet.
Established by the United Nations in 1972, this day is recognized as the most significant platform for global environmental outreach. A total of more than 80 staff members attended the said programme.

The Session began with interactive discussion led by Sh. Rajiv Bansal, Ld. Member Secretary, DSLSA, Ms. Tanvi Khurana, Ld. Special Secretary, DSLSA, Sh. Mridul Gupta, Ld. Additional Secretary, DSLSA, and Sh. Abhinav Pandey, Ld. Secretary (Litigation), DSLSA. They highlighted the urgent need to address land degradation and the importance of collective efforts in restoring ecosystems. The Ld. Officers, along with the staff of DSLSA, also took a pledge to protect and preserve the environment for future generation.

The Ld. Presiding Officers reminded everyone of our collective responsibility towards nature. With growing environmental concerns such as global warming, deforestation, pollution, and biodiversity loss, World Environment Day serves as a call to action. They emphasized that small yet impactful actions—like reducing the use of plastic, conserving water, planting trees, recycling, and adopting sustainable lifestyles—can bring about meaningful change.

The celebration at DSLSA was a strong reminder that protecting the environment is not a one-day commitment but a continuous responsibility. Through such initiatives, DSLSA reaffirmed its dedication to fostering environmental awareness and encouraging sustainable practices in daily life.

An Orientation session for Interns, as part of the Summer Internship–2025, was successfully organized on 4th June 2025 by the Delhi State Legal Services Authority (DSLSA) at Rouse Avenue District Courts, New Delhi. This initiative aims to provide law students with hands-on practical exposure and to familiarize them with the functioning of various legal aid mechanisms. The internship training is scheduled to continue till 24th June 2025 and will include intensive interaction with legal professionals and practical field assignments. A total of 153 law interns from different law colleges and 10 Legal Services Advocates attended the session.

The inaugural session commenced with an interactive discussion led by Sh. Rajiv Bansal, Ld. Member Secretary, DSLSA, Ms. Tanvi Khurana, Ld. Special Secretary, DSLSA Sh. Mridul Gupta, Ld. Additional Secretary, DSLSA and Sh. Abhinav Pandey, Ld. Secretary (Litigation), DSLSA. They shared encouraging messages to participants regarding the importance of the internship in shaping the professional journeys of young law students. The Ld. Officers emphasized that legal aid is not only a statutory responsibility but a social obligation, and that the active involvement of students can significantly contribute to the cause of access to justice.
The Ld. Officers discussed the important role that advocates will play as mentors during the internship period. Advocates were advised to guide the interns in understanding the structure and functioning of key government departments and institutions such as Jail Duty, Front Office of Legal Aid Clinics, the One Stop Sakhi Centre, and others. The advocates were also informed that their responsibility includes not only legal guidance but also mentoring interns on professional etiquette, ethical practices, and coordination with court and administrative staff.

During the session, several queries raised by the participating interns and advocates were addressed. Sh. Rajiv Bansal, Ld. Member Secretary, DSLSA, Ms. Tanvi Khurana, Ld. Special Secretary, DSLSA Sh. Mridul Gupta, Ld. Additional Secretary, DSLSA and Sh. Abhinav Pandey, Ld. Secretary (Litigation), DSLSA provided detailed responses to ensure clarity regarding the procedural aspects of the internship, reporting mechanisms, daily assignments, and expected outcomes. They urged all participants to maintain discipline, punctuality, and decorum throughout the programme in all institutional settings.

The Ld. Officers further informed that Legal Services Advocates will be the primary point of contact for interns during field visits and must ensure that all necessary arrangements, including departmental coordination and addressing interns’ concerns, are properly managed. Interns were also encouraged to take this opportunity seriously and to participate in all assigned activities with full sincerity and dedication.

The orientation session concluded on a positive note, with the dignitaries expressing hope that the Summer Internship–2025 will be a transformative learning experience for all participants. It is expected that this initiative will not only strengthen the interns’ practical understanding of legal aid and social justice but also foster a deeper commitment to public service among future legal professionals.

An Orientation Training Programme for Legal Services Advocates who shall be attached with 11 groups of Interns during Summer Internship-2025, commencing from 4th to 24th, June-2025 was organized by the Delhi State Legal Services Authority at Rouse Avenue Courts on 2nd June 2025. A total of 10 advocates attended the training session.

The programme began with an interactive session with Ms. Tanvi Khurana, Ld. Special Secretary, DSLSA, Sh. Mridul Gupta, Ld. Additional Secretary, DSLSA, and Sh. Abhinav Pandey, Ld. Secretary (Litigation), DSLSA. They shared valuable insights on the role of advocates in supporting law students during the internship. The Ld. Officers highlighted the importance of professional guidance, discipline, and the practical exposure that interns would receive during their time in internship.
The participants were encouraged to actively engage with the interns, guide them in court proceedings, Jail Duty, Front Office, One Stop Sakhi Center and help them understand the practical side of legal services.

Following the discussion, Ms. Tanvi Khurana, Ld. Special Secretary, DSLSA and Sh. Mridul Gupta, Ld. Additional Secretary, DSLSA addressed the queries raised by the Legal Services Advocates and explained various procedural aspects of the internship.

The training proved to be highly informative and engaging. It not only prepared the advocates for their mentorship roles but also ensured that the Summer Internship–2025 would be a productive and meaningful experience for all involved.

A training programme was organized by the Delhi State Legal Services Authority (DSLSA) for Principal Magistrates and Members of the Juvenile Justice Boards (JJBs) on 24th May, 2025 from 02:30 PM onwards at the Conference Hall, 3rd Floor, Rouse Avenue District Courts, New Delhi. Total number of participants were 11.

The programme began with an interactive session with Sh. Rajeev Bansal, Ld. Member Secretary, DSLSA, Sh. Naveen Gupta, Ld. Special Secretary, DSLSA and Sh. Mridul Gupta, Ld. Additional Secretary, DSLSA. They shared valuable insights and best practices, while also encouraging participants to discuss their own experiences and challenges in the field of juvenile justice.

Thereafter, Ms. Tanvi Khurana, Ld. Officer of the Delhi Higher Judicial Services (under posting) delivered a detailed presentation on the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, focusing on key areas such as Bail, Age Inquiry, and Preliminary Assessment. The session helped clarify important procedural aspects and highlighted the significance of child-friendly judicial approaches.

The training proved to be a highly enriching experience, offering both practical insights and legal clarity. It reinforced the importance of a sensitive, informed, and collaborative approach to handling cases involving children in conflict with law.

A half day training programme for the Chairpersons and Members of all Child Welfare Committees (CWCs) was conducted on 17th May 2025 from 02.00PM onwards, at 1st Floor, Conference Hall, Rouse Avenue District Courts, New Delhi. 40 participants from Child Welfare Committees (from I to X) attended the programme as per schedule.

This capacity building programme aimed to enhance the capacity of CWC members in handling children related issues and understanding the legal framework surrounding their responsibilities.

The event began with an interactive session with Sh. Rajeev Bansal, Ld. Member Secretary, Sh. Naveen Gupta, Ld. Special Secretary, Sh. Mridul Gupta, Ld. Additional Secretary, and Sh. Abhinav Pandey, Ld. Secretary (Litigation) from DSLSA, encouraging participants to exchange their experiences and insights. This was followed by a session on the evolution of role of CWCs from welfare to protection of children’s rights, led by Sh. Mridul Gupta, Ld. Additional Secretary and Sh. Anant Kumar Asthana, Advocate who emphasized the importance of a rights-based framework under the Juvenile Justice Act.

The final session addressed two crucial areas: Legal remedies for recovery of wages in child labour cases and the role of CWCs in the surrender of a child under the POCSO Act, presented by Ms. Priya Singh, Member of JJB-VII. The speaker stressed on the need for inter-agency coordination, child-friendly procedures, and ensuring the best interest of the child. The programme was widely appreciated by the participants and recognized as a valuable initiative by DSLSA to strengthen the role of CWCs in the child protection system.

The Delhi State Legal Services Authority, under the National Legal Services Authority, has effectively conducted its 2nd National Lok Adalat for 2025 on 10th May, 2025 across various judicial venues including District Court Complexes, the Hon’ble High Court of Delhi, Permanent Lok Adalats, Debt Recovery Tribunals, State Consumer Commission, and District Consumer Commissions.

Shri Rajeev Bansal, Ld. Member Secretary, DSLSA, emphasized that under the able-stewardship and guidance of Hon’ble Mr. Justice Vibhu Bakhru, Judge, High Court of Delhi & Executive Chairperson, DSLSA, the Authority has consistently endeavoured to promote Alternate Dispute Resolution techniques, at both the pre- institutional stage as well as at the litigative stages.

Shri Rajeev Bansal, Ld. Member Secretary, DSLSA highlighted that the National Lok Adalat serves as a distinctive platform for dispute resolution, encouraging conciliation and promoting amicable settlements. He also added that this event underscores our commitment to cultivating a justice delivery system that is not only equitable and just but also easily accessible to all sections of society. Ld. Member Secretary stressed on the fact that DSLSA once again engaged Transgenders, Senior Citizens, persons with disability, people from North-East region of the country and Acid Attack victims, in the decision-making process by appointing them as Associate Members in Lok Adalat Benches across different Court complexes.

Shri Rajeev Bansal, Ld. Member Secretary, DSLSA, Sh. Naveen Gupta, Ld. Special Secretary, DSLSA, Sh. Mridul Gupta, Ld. Additional Secretary, DSLSA, Sh. Abhinav Pandey, Ld. Secretary (Litigation), DSLSA and other dignitaries, visited the Karkardooma Courts Complex to oversee the arrangements. They interacted with Presiding Officers and Associate Members, acknowledging their role in ensuring efficient case resolution. Judges throughout Delhi very actively participated in Lok Adalat. Litigants actively joined the proceedings for settlement/amicable disposal of their cases.

A total of 354 Lok Adalat Benches in District Courts and 15 in the High Court, Debt Recovery Tribunals, Consumer Forums, and Permanent Lok Adalats were constituted. The National Lok Adalat settled 1,40,165 cases with a settlement amount of Rs. 1217.60 Crores. Highlights include the highest settlement of a MACT case for Rs. 66 Lakhs and the resolution of an old 2014 case. Overall, the initiative marked a substantial achievement in dispute resolution and justice delivery.

Shahdara and North East District Legal Services Authorities (DLSA) in association with Amar Jyoti Charitable Trust, set up a Legal Literacy Club “समन्वय (SAMANVAY)” at Amar Jyoti School, Karkardooma, Delhi.

On 3rd May, 2025, Sh. Sanjeev Jain, Ld. Principal District & Sessions Judge, North East District inaugurated this club in the presence of Sh. Arvind Kumar, Ld. Principal Judge (Family Court), Shahdara, Sh. Rajeev Bansal, Ld. Member Secretary, Sh. Abhinav Pandey, Ld. Secretary (Litigation), DSLSA, Ld. Secretaries North East & Shahdara DLSAs and other dignitaries.
Ms. Uma Tuli, the founder of Amar Jyoti Charitable Trust welcomed all dignitaries. Thereafter, Sh. Anshul Singhal, Ld. Secretary, Shahdara DLSA briefed all present about this initiative. He added that this Legal Literacy Club is part of the NALSA’s Child-Friendly Legal Services Scheme, 2024, and aims to promote legal awareness among children with disabilities and their caregivers. In the inaugural address, Sh. Rajeev Bansal, Ld. Member Secretary, DSLSA emphasized upon the importance of such clubs for accessible legal education in schools.

On this Occasion, Sh. Sanjeev Jain, Ld. Principal District & Sessions Judge, North East District & Sh. Arvind Kumar, Ld. Principal Judge (Family Court), Shahdara highlighted the significance of legal awareness in educational institutions, especially those catering to children with disabilities.,
As part of its inaugural initiative, a workshop was conducted on 03.05.2025 in the Conference Hall of Amar Jyoti Charitable Trust. The topics covered during the session included Provisions of POCSO Act, Provisions of POSH Act, Mandate and procedures to be followed by members of the Internal Complaints Committee

The workshop was attended by teachers and members of the Internal Complaints Committee. The resource persons for the session were Mr. Jai Kumar Sharma, LAC, North-East DLSA, and Ms. Puvali Singh, LAC, Shahdara DLSA, who shared the valuable insights implementation strategies. There were around 140 persons in the event.

Delhi State Legal Services Authority (DSLSA) successfully organized a “Job Mela” which is a Placement Drive under Project “वीरांगना” at Nyay Manch Auditorium, First Floor, Rouse Avenue District Courts Complex, New Delhi. This initiative is part of DSLSA’s ongoing efforts to rehabilitate beneficiaries of legal services by equipping them with vocational skills and facilitating meaningful employment opportunities.

The day began with the registration of participants, followed by certificate distribution ceremony at the Nyaya Manch Auditorium. Certificates were awarded to candidates who successfully completed their professional training at the prestigious Institute of Hotel Management, PUSA (IHM PUSA). These were presented by Sh. Rajeev Bansal, Ld. Member Secretary, Sh. Naveen Gupta, Ld. Special Secretary, and Sh. Mridul Gupta, Ld. Additional Secretary, in the presence of Ld. Secretaries from the District Legal Services Authorities (DLSAs).

Thereafter the Inaugural Session of “Job Mela” was formally opened by Sh. Rajeev Bansal, Ld. Member Secretary, DSLSA who addressed the beneficiaries and motivated them to take full advantage of the employment opportunities available. Sh. Naveen Gupta, Ld. Special Secretary, DSLSA then took the stage to introduce the participating companies, explain the placement drive process, and conduct a Q&A session, patiently resolving the queries of the participants to ensure clarity and confidence.

The placement drive saw enthusiastic participation from legal services beneficiaries who interacted with recruiters from leading hospitality and service sector organizations, including ITC Hotels Ltd., The Lalit, Chhanv Foundation, Lemon Tree Hotels, and Par Anand Charitable Trust. The event culminated with the issuance of 19 Letters of Intent (LoIs) post the interview rounds. The average CTC offered was Rs. 2 Lakhs per annum, by the 5 participating companies, recognizing the potential and dedication of the candidates.

The closing ceremony ended the day on a happy note, celebrating the strength and progress of the beneficiaries and thanking everyone who helped make the event a success. The event featured a concluding address by Sh. Naveen Gupta, Ld. Special Secretary, DSLSA. A short video presentation was also screened, capturing the inspiring journey and impact of Project “वीरांगना” and highlighting the life-changing role of skill training and institutional support.

DSLSA in association with Department of Law & Justice, GNCTD and NLU commemorated the Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s 134th birth anniversary on 14th April, 2025 at the Auditorium, Delhi Secretariate, New Delhi.

Under this initiative DSLSA launched a Project “संविधान की पाठशाला”, under which legal awareness programs and other activities were conducted to promote the understanding of Constitutional rights, human rights, and the importance of legal empowerment amongst school students across delhi. Students actively participated in Essay writing, Poster making competitions.

The Prize distribution Ceremony for the programmes/project conducted by DSLSA & NLU started with the lighting of Lamp by Sh. Kapil Mishra, Hon’ble Law Minister, Delhi, Prof. Dr. Sh. G. S. Bajpai, Vice-Chancellor, NLU, Sh. Reetesh Singh, Ld. Pr. Secretary (Law, Justice & Legislative Affairs, Delhi), Sh. Rajeev Bansal, Ld. Member Secretary, DSLSA.

Hon’ble Law Minister Sh. Kapil Mishra addressed the gathering and inspired the students with his words of encouragement. He praised the joint efforts of DSLSA, the Department of Law & Justice, and NLU in promoting legal awareness and fostering a sense of constitutional values in society. Following this, Prof. (Dr.) G.S. Bajpai, Vice-Chancellor, NLU, delivered a Special Address, appreciating the efforts and creativity demonstrated by the participating students. He also expressed his gratitude to the Hon’ble Law Minister for his continued support towards such meaningful initiatives.

Cash prizes and certificates were awarded to the winners of the Essay Writing and Poster Making competitions, recognizing the top three participants in each category.
The event concluded with a Vote of Thanks by Sh. Rajeev Bansal, Ld. Member Secretary, DSLSA.

DSLSA organized a half day Training Programme for the newly empanelled Legal Services Advocates of all Child Welfare Committees (CWCs) and Juvenile Justice Boards (JJBs) on 28.03.2025 at Conference Hall, First Floor, Rouse Avenue District Court Complex, New Delhi from 02:15 PM onwards.

Sh. Naveen Gupta, Ld. Special Secretary, DSLSA and Sh. Mridul Gupta, Ld. Additional Secretary, DSLSA interacted with the participants and informed them about the objective behind this Training Programme. During their sessions, Ld. Resource persons also covered the topics “Overview of Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987 with special emphasis on roles & responsibilities of LSAs” & “Sharing of Best Practices”.

Sh. Fahad Uddin, Ld. Principal Magistrate, JJB-VII was the next resource person who delivered the session on the topic “Overview of Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015”. The topic was well explained with the help of Powerpoint presentation. Total number of participants in the training programme were 34 (15 CWC+19 JJB).

Delhi State Legal Services Authority organised a half day Capacity Building Training Programme for the all the Legal Aid Defence Counsels (LADCs) i.e. Chief Legal Aid Defence Counsel, Deputy Legal Aid Defence Counsels and Assistant Legal Aid Defence Counsels working across DLSAs in Delhi at Conference Hall, 1st Floor, RADC, New Delhi on 26.03.2025.

These interactions are vital for ensuring better understanding on aspects related to legal representation of accused persons by the LADCs.
Sh. Rajeev Bansal, Ld. Member Secretary, DSLSA, Sh. Naveen Gupta, Ld. Special Secretary, DSLSA, Sh. Mridul Gupta, Ld. Additional Secretary, DSLSA and Sh. Abhinav Pandey, Ld. Secretary (Litigation), DSLSA interacted with the participants and informed them about the objective behind this Training Programme. All the participants were also made aware about the topic “Overview of The Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987 with special emphasis on roles & responsibilities of LADCs”. The session was very interactive and everyone present actively discussed the best practices also.

Ms. Sonia Chhikara, Sr. Programmer, DSLSA delivered the next session on the topic “Enhancing case management practices – NALSA, LSMS & LACMS portal”.

On 18th March 2025, under the “वीरांगना” Project, the Delhi State Legal Services Authority (DSLSA) organized an interaction session for survivors of sexual offenses and acid attacks (second batch). The session was held at Nyay Manch Auditorium, Rouse Avenue District Courts, from 2:00 PM onwards.
In collaboration with TATA STRIVE and DAY-NULM (National Urban Livelihood Mission), DSLSA introduced a vocational training program aimed at the rehabilitation and empowerment of survivors by offering free skill development courses.
During the session, Sh. Mukesh Kushwaha, Centre Manager, TATA STRIVE, and Mr. Pradeep from DAY-NULM briefed the participants on the available courses and their benefits through a PPT presentation. Ld. Member Secretary Sh. Rajeev Bansal, Ld. Special Secretary Sh. Naveen Gupta, Ld. Additional Secretary Sh. Mridul Gupta, and Ld. Secretary (Litigation) Sh. Abhinav Pandey were also present. Judicial officers explained how the program would help participants secure financial assistance and meaningful employment opportunities upon course completion. Encouragingly, many relatives accompanying the survivors also expressed interest in enrolling.

The Delhi State Legal Services Authority, under the National Legal Services Authority, has effectively conducted its 1st National Lok Adalat for 2025 on 08th March, 2025 across various judicial venues including District Court Complexes, the Hon’ble High Court of Delhi, Permanent Lok Adalats, Debt Recovery Tribunals, State Consumer Commission, and District Consumer Commissions.

In this National Lok Adalat, Hon’ble Mr. Justice Vibhu Bakhru, Judge, High Court of Delhi/Executive Chairperson, DSLSA along with Ms. Madhu Jain, Ld. Principal District & Sessions Judge, South District, Sh. G.P. Singh, Ld. Officiating Principal District & Sessions Judge, South East District, Sh. Rajeev Bansal, Ld. Member Secretary, DSLSA, Sh. Naveen Gupta, Ld. Special Secretary, DSLSA, Sh. Mridul Gupta, Ld. Additional Secretary, DSLSA, Sh. Abhinav Pandey, Ld. Secretary (Litigation), DSLSA and other dignitaries, personally visited the Saket Courts Complex to oversee the arrangements. They interacted with Presiding Officers and Associate Members, acknowledging their role in ensuring efficient case resolution.

During the visit, Hon’ble Mr. Justice Vibhu Bakhru extended special recognition to transgender individuals, acid attack survivors, and senior citizens who diligently served as Associate Members in the Lok Adalat. This gesture highlighted DSLSA’s dedication to inclusivity and the empowerment of marginalized communities within the legal system.

On the occasion of Women’s Day, in all District Courts Complexes, all associate members and Para-legal volunteers assigned for duty were women, emphasizing the role of women in legal and social service.

DSLSA engaged and involved 35 Transgenders, Senior Citizens, Acid Attack victims, Specially abled persons and people from North-Eastern Region to carry out with the aim of inclusivity in the decision-making process by deputing them as Associate Members in Lok Adalat Benches.

Judicial Officers throughout Delhi very actively participated in Lok Adalat. Litigants actively joined the proceedings for settlement/amicable disposal of their cases.
A total of 356 Lok Adalat Benches in District Courts and 15 in the High Court, Debt Recovery Tribunals, Consumer Forums, and Permanent Lok Adalats were constituted, referring 2,13,418 cases. The National Lok Adalat settled 1,53,539 cases with a settlement amount of Rs. 406.08 Crores. Highlights include the highest settlement of a MACT case for Rs. 96 Lakhs and the resolution of an old case of the year 2016. Overall, the initiative marked a substantial achievement in dispute resolution and justice delivery.

Day 2 of the Para Legal Volunteer Training started with the session of Sh. Bilal Ahmad, Program Director, SPYM and he apprised the participants about consequences of drug abuse amongst children, and legislative framework for rehabilitation of Children in Need Care and Protection.

Thereafter, Sh. Abhinav Pandey, Ld. Secretary (Litigation), DSLSA took session on “Schemes of NALSA and DSLSA with special emphasis on Delhi Victims’ Compensation Scheme-2018 & Scheme for Empanelment of Para Legal Volunteers and their Deployment in Police Stations in Delhi for cases pertaining to Missing Children and other Offences against Children”.

The third session of day was delivered by Sh. Mridul Gupta, Ld. Additional Secretary, DSLSA on “Overview of Criminal Justice System under which emphasis was laid upon Bail, Rights of Accused and Victims, Registration of FIR u/s 154 Cr.P.C and Petition under 156(3) Cr.P.C.” with the help of PowerPoint Presentation followed by the feedback session.

A dedicated parallel session for community PLVs i.e. transgender and female sex workers was held on the topic “Directions passed by Hon’ble Supreme Court in Criminal Appeal No. 135 of 2010 titled “Budhadev Karmaskar vs. The State of West Bengal & Ors.” The resource person of the session was Ms. Richika Tyagi, Ld. Secretary, Central-II DLSA.

A parallel Session for victims of various offences was held on the topic “Effective communication & Interpersonal Skills” by Sh. Sajal Dhir, Executive Coach & Professional Trainer. All the queries raised by the participants were resolved by all the Ld. Resource persons.