Srinagar/Jammu: A 40-hour role-play training programme aimed at strengthening mediation skills among advocates and experts concluded at the Srinagar and Jammu campuses of the Jammu and Kashmir Judicial Academy on Friday, with judicial authorities calling for greater use of mediation to resolve disputes amicably and reduce dependence on litigation.
The programme was conducted on October 5, 6, 8 and 9 under the aegis of the Mediation and Conciliation Project Committee (MCPC) of the Supreme Court of India by the Mediation and Conciliation Committee of the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, in collaboration with the J&K Judicial Academy.
Chief Justice of the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, Justice Pushpendra Singh Bhati, attended the second day of the Srinagar session and highlighted the role of mediation in strengthening the justice delivery system.
He said mediation was not merely a professional skill but also a means of developing empathy, understanding and sensitivity, qualities that could benefit advocates, public prosecutors and judges in resolving disputes.
Referring to Indian epics, religious traditions and Kashmir’s history, Justice Bhati highlighted the longstanding cultural emphasis on reconciliation and peaceful settlement of disputes. He also referred to Surah An-Nisa of the Holy Quran, observing that its provision for appointing representatives from both sides of a dispute to restore harmony bore similarities to the principles of modern mediation.
Justice Rajnesh Oswal, chairman of the Mediation and Conciliation Committee of the High Court, attended the programme and emphasised that mediation should be a preferred method of dispute resolution rather than a last resort.
Drawing on his judicial experience, Justice Oswal said mediation could help resolve even long-pending disputes in which an amicable settlement initially appeared unlikely. He noted that the principles of mediation were relevant not only in courts but also in families, schools, communities and professional relationships.
He urged participants to apply the skills acquired during the training and contribute to the Mediation for the Nation 3.0 initiative, which seeks to promote amicable settlements and help parties resolve disputes without prolonged bitterness.
At the Srinagar campus, experienced advocates and certified mediators Monika Jalota and Swarn Sandhir conducted interactive sessions and simulated mediation exercises. The proceedings were coordinated by Faizan-ul-Haq Iqbal, coordinator of the Main Mediation Centre.
At the Jammu campus, Sunil Kumar, secretary of the J&K Legal Services Committee, delivered the welcome address and highlighted the importance of practical training in developing competent mediators. The role-play sessions were conducted by Yashpal Singh Dahiya and Balbir Kaur Gandhi, resource persons associated with the MCPC of the Supreme Court.
Rajeev Gupta, officiating director of the J&K Judicial Academy, said practical exercises and interactive sessions were important for helping participants understand mediation procedures and develop the skills required to facilitate settlements.
Participants engaged in simulated mediation proceedings to practise communication, negotiation and dispute-resolution techniques.
The programme is part of the High Court’s continuing efforts, in collaboration with the Supreme Court’s MCPC, to strengthen mediation mechanisms and expand access to amicable dispute resolution.
The initiative aims to develop a pool of trained mediators capable of facilitating timely and sustainable settlements, potentially reducing the burden of litigation and improving access to justice.
Faizan-ul-Haq Iqbal proposed the vote of thanks at the concluding session in Srinagar, acknowledging the support of the Supreme Court’s MCPC, the High Court’s Mediation and Conciliation Committee, the Judicial Academy and the resource persons.
