E-Gram Kachahri Portal Resolves Over 49,000 Disputes in Bihar Since January 2025

The news

Bihar's e-Gram Kachahri portal has resolved more than 49,000 disputes involving families since its launch in January 2025, according to data from the portal. The figure, recorded up to November 2026, includes over 25,000 civil cases and about 24,000 criminal cases.

Among districts, Katihar led in the disposal of criminal cases, while many districts, including Madhubani and Patna, resolved large numbers of civil cases. The digital platform is designed to provide swift and transparent dispute resolution at the village level, reducing the burden on traditional courts.

What is the legal basis for Gram Kachahris in Bihar?

Gram Kachahris in Bihar are constituted under the Bihar Panchayati Raj Act, 2006, which replaced the earlier Bihar Panchayat Raj Act, 1993. The 1993 Act itself was enacted to align with the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act of 1992, which added Part IX to the Constitution and mandated the establishment of Panchayats. The Bihar Panchayati Raj Act, 2006, provides for the constitution of Gram Kachahris at the Gram Panchayat level, defining their jurisdiction over civil and criminal matters of a petty nature. These bodies function as the lowest tier of the judicial system in rural Bihar, with their powers and procedures detailed in the Act and related rules framed by the state government.

How does the e-Gram Kachahri portal work?

The e-Gram Kachahri portal is a digital platform launched by the Government of Bihar to resolve family and property disputes at the village level, offering an alternative to traditional courts. It falls under the broader framework of e-governance, which uses information and communication technology to improve service delivery, transparency, and accessibility. Unlike Lok Adalats, which settle cases pending in courts or at pre-litigation stages, this portal focuses specifically on grassroots disputes within Gram Panchayat jurisdictions.

What has the portal achieved and what remains?

The portal has resolved over 49,000 disputes in less than two years, with a balanced split between civil and criminal cases, demonstrating its effectiveness in reducing the burden on police and courts. Katihar led in criminal cases, while many districts, including Madhubani and Patna, resolved large numbers of civil cases. For sustained success, the Bihar government should expand the portal's reach to all blocks, integrate it with other e-governance platforms, and train more village-level functionaries, while regular monitoring and public awareness campaigns can further increase case resolution rates and trust in the system.