The Rajasthan High Court recently initiated suo motu proceedings after news report revealed that 16 permanent Lok Adalats had stopped functioning due to a State Government order issued on April 9, describing the matter as a grave concern affecting access to justice.
According to news reports dated May 13, 2025, raised serious concerns about access to justice, highlighting that 16 permanent Lok Adalats in Rajasthan are non-functional due to a State Government order dated April 9, 2025. The report noted that around 972 cases are pending in Jodhpur alone, with an estimated 10,000 cases likely stalled across the state, severely impacting dispute resolution.
The Division Bench of Justice Shree Chandrashekhar and Justice Sandeep Shah stated, “Stressing the importance of the right of the public at large to demand speedy justice, “Brij Mohan Lal v. Union of India & Ors.” 2012 6 SCC 502 makes very significant observations touching upon the jurisdiction of the Constitution Courts to interfere with the policy decision. The Hon’ble Supreme Court held that it would fail in its duty if it declines to exercise its jurisdiction in such class of cases where a demand for speedy and fair trial is involved solely on the ground that it was a policy decision and, therefore, beyond the limits of the judicial review.”
The Court directed the State Chief Secretary and senior officials from relevant departments to submit their responses in the matter by May 15.
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