Srinagar, Oct 9: Mediation should be the preferred choice for dispute resolution rather than a last resort, Justice Rajnesh Oswal, Chairman of the Mediation and Conciliation Committee of the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, said as a 40-hour role-play training programme for advocates and experts concluded at the J&K Judicial Academy campuses in Srinagar and Jammu on Friday.
Justice Oswal encouraged participants to apply their newly acquired skills in practice and contribute to the Mediation for the Nation 3.0 initiative, emphasising the role of mediation in facilitating amicable settlements and helping parties move forward without bitterness.
He said the spirit of mediation was inherent in everyday life, from families and schools to communities and professional relationships. Drawing on his judicial experience, he explained how mediation could help resolve even long-pending disputes where a settlement initially appeared unlikely.
The training programme was organised 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. The practical sessions were held on October 5, 6, 8 and 9.
During the second day of the Srinagar session, Chief Justice of the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, Dr Justice Pushpendra Singh Bhati, highlighted the importance of mediation in strengthening the justice delivery system.
He said mediation was not merely a professional skill but also a means of becoming a better human being and a more effective advocate, public prosecutor or judge. He emphasised that practical exercises and role-play sessions helped develop empathy, understanding and sensitivity in resolving disputes.
Referring to Indian epics, religious traditions and Kashmir’s history, the Chief Justice highlighted the longstanding cultural significance of peaceful dispute resolution. He also referred to Surah An-Nisa of the Holy Quran, observing that its provisions envisage a process resembling modern mediation, with representatives from both sides appointed to help restore harmony.
Justice Bhati said examples across religious and cultural traditions demonstrated the enduring relevance of reconciliation and amicable settlement.
Rajeev Gupta, in-charge Director of the J&K Judicial Academy, welcomed the dignitaries, resource persons and participants, stressing the importance of practical training in developing effective mediation skills. He said interactive exercises and simulated proceedings provided hands-on experience in facilitating amicable settlements.
At the Srinagar campus, resource persons Monika Jalota and Swarn Sandhir, experienced advocates and certified mediators, conducted interactive sessions and role-play exercises to familiarise participants with mediation techniques and their practical application. The sessions were coordinated by Faizan-ul-Haq Iqbal, Coordinator, Main Mediation Centre.
At the Jammu campus, Sunil Kumar, Secretary of the J&K Legal Services Committee, delivered the welcome address and stressed the need for practical training to develop competent mediators. The role-play sessions were conducted by Yashpal Singh Dahiya and Balbir Kaur Gandhi, resource persons associated with the MCPC.
During the concluding session in Srinagar, Justice Oswal urged participants to use their skills to strengthen mediation as an effective mechanism for dispute resolution.
Faizan-ul-Haq Iqbal proposed the vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to the Supreme Court of India, the MCPC, the High Court’s Mediation and Conciliation Committee, the Judicial Academy’s director and staff, and the resource persons for their support.
The programme saw advocates and experts participate in simulated mediation proceedings designed to strengthen communication, negotiation and dispute-resolution skills.
The initiative is part of ongoing efforts to expand the pool of trained mediators, promote timely and sustainable settlements, improve access to justice and reduce the burden of litigation.
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