Revenue – Uttarakhand Launches Statewide Drive to Resolve Long-Pending Land Disputes
Revenue – Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Saturday formally launched a state-level Revenue Lok Adalat initiative through a virtual event, aiming to accelerate the resolution of long-pending revenue cases across the state. The move is part of a broader administrative effort to ensure timely justice and improve access to government services for citizens.
Focus on Faster Resolution of Pending Cases
Addressing the virtual gathering, the Chief Minister said the initiative reflects a governance approach that prioritises inclusive development and public trust. He emphasised that resolving revenue disputes is not merely an administrative necessity but a matter deeply connected to people’s livelihoods, particularly farmers and rural families whose land-related issues often remain unresolved for years.
According to official data, more than 50,000 cases are currently pending in revenue courts operating at different administrative levels across the state. These include courts at the state, divisional, district, and tehsil levels. The Revenue Lok Adalat has been designed to reduce this backlog significantly through focused and time-bound hearings.
Lok Adalats Held Across All Districts
The government has organised these special courts simultaneously at 210 locations across all 13 districts. Officials expect nearly 6,933 cases to be addressed during this phase. The scope of cases includes not only land disputes but also matters related to excise, food safety, stamp duty, financial recovery laws, public order regulations, electricity issues, senior citizen rights, and tenancy disputes.
The Chief Minister highlighted that the initiative operates on four key principles: simplification of procedures, effective resolution, timely disposal, and overall satisfaction of citizens. These principles aim to make the system more accessible and responsive.
Emphasis on Technology and Transparency
In line with ongoing digital reforms, the state has implemented an online Revenue Court Case Management System. This platform allows citizens to file cases, track their progress, and access updates without needing to visit government offices repeatedly. The Chief Minister noted that such digital tools are helping improve transparency and efficiency in governance.
He also stressed that Lok Adalats function with fairness and impartiality, ensuring that all parties are heard before decisions are made. The process is designed to deliver justice in a sensitive and citizen-friendly manner.
Clear Timelines for Case Disposal
During the meeting, specific directions were issued to streamline case handling. Officials were instructed to complete mutation processes in uncontested inheritance cases within the prescribed timeframe following the death of a landowner. The Chief Minister suggested that, wherever possible, updated land records should be handed over to families by the time of traditional post-death rituals.
Additionally, authorities have been directed to resolve disputes related to land measurement and possession within one month. District-level officers have also been asked to prioritise clearing pending cases on an urgent basis.
Administrative Commitment to Reform
Senior officials participating in the meeting reaffirmed their commitment to reducing the backlog of cases. Instructions have been issued to district administrations to take immediate steps and ensure that revenue disputes are addressed efficiently, with particular attention to land-related matters.
The initiative is part of a larger effort to simplify administrative procedures and enhance service delivery. By focusing on faster resolution and leveraging digital platforms, the government aims to make the system more responsive to citizens’ needs.
The Chief Minister concluded by reiterating that ensuring timely and fair justice remains a priority for the state administration. He assured that similar initiatives will continue to be implemented to strengthen governance and build public confidence.