India’s First Online Permanent Lok Adalat
Last Updated on April 13, 2025 by Shianjany Pradhan
In an era where everything from banking to education has gone digital, justice delivery a powerful revolution from the state of Kerala has emerged.
Kerala became the first Indian state to launch an online platform for Permanent Lok Adalats, enabling citizens to file cases and attend hearings virtually. Initiated by the Kerala State Legal Services Authority (KELSA), this digital leap is more than just a convenience; it symbolizes hope, inclusivity, and modernization in the justice system.
What are Lok Adalats?
Lok Adalat translates to “People’s Courts”. It is Rooted in the spirit of Nyaya Panchayats and Gandhian ideals of community-based conflict resolution, Lok Adalats emerged as a formal legal alternative in the 1980s, institutionalized through the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987
They offer an informal, cost-free, and swift dispute resolution, particularly in civil and compoundable criminal matters. There’s no court fee, no long-drawn proceedings, and most importantly, no formal setup of the court, which sometimes intimidates the party. If both parties agree, a settlement reached at Lok Adalat will have the force of a civil court decree, and it is binding.
The Shift Online
While Lok Adalats’ philosophy has always been about bringing justice to the people, geographical and infrastructural limitations often prevented it from reaching those most needed it.
This is where Kerala’s initiative becomes truly transformative as they have digitized the PLA mechanism.
With the arrival of this mechanism, the state has opened doors for:-
- Elderly citizens and people with disabilities can now attend hearings from their homes.
- Residents of rural and remote areas who no longer need to travel miles for a legal resolution.
- Working professionals, who may otherwise find it challenging to engage with the legal system during working hours.
How Does It Work?
The online PLA portal developed by KELSA allows parties to:
- File their disputes digitally through a simple interface.
- They can receive updates and hearing schedules via email or SMS.
- They can attend hearings over video conferencing, ensuring interaction and transparency.
India’s courts are overwhelmed, and Lok Adalats have consistently overcome this burden. Further, the online Lok Adalats would make it more efficient. The potential is unbound.
Kerala’s model could very well be the future blueprint for other states. If appropriately scaled, online Lok Adalats can become essential to India’s justice delivery system. As we proceed into a digital future, Kerala’s online Lok Adalat is a beacon—a small, determined step toward a more accessible justice system.
It’s a step closer to constitutional ideals of equal access and a necessary push towards a more democratized legal process in India.
