Fri May 16 16:27:55 UTC 2025: Here’s a news article summarizing the provided text:

**Rajasthan High Court Intervenes as Closure of Lok Adalats Stalls Justice for Thousands**

**Jaipur, May 16, 2025** – The Rajasthan High Court has taken suo motu cognizance of a crisis impacting access to justice in 16 districts across the state. Permanent Lok Adalats in Balotra, Baran, Bikaner, Churu, Dausa, Dholpur, Jhalawar, Jodhpur, Kota, Merta City, Nagaur, Pratapgarh, Rajsamand, Sawai Madhopur, and Sikar have ceased functioning since April 8th due to the non-extension of tenures for presiding officers and members.

The closure, triggered by a recent government order, has brought the alternative dispute resolution process to a standstill, affecting an estimated 10,000 pending cases. Reports indicate a backlog of 972 cases in Jodhpur alone. Permanent Lok Adalats are known for their prompt and cost-effective resolutions of civil disputes and the delay has left litigants in uncertainty.

A Division Bench of the Rajasthan High Court, comprising Justices Shree Chandrashekhar and Sandeep Shah, expressed serious concerns, stating that courts cannot evade their duty to ensure a fair and speedy trial. The court has impleaded key government officials, including the Chief Secretary and Principal Law Secretary, and directed them to file responses. Senior Advocate Manish Sisodia has been appointed amicus curiae to assist the court.

The court cited a Supreme Court ruling, emphasizing that policy decisions are subject to judicial review if deemed arbitrary or not carried out in good faith. The situation has disrupted the alternative dispute resolution framework in the affected districts, with many judgments written but unable to be pronounced due to the expiry of tenures.

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