District and Sessions Judge Mary Joseph has stressed on the relevance of mediation by pointing out that the method enabled all concerned parties to achieve satisfaction and also instilled confidence on the judicial process of the country.
She was speaking while inaugurating a seminar on ‘Conflict resolution through mediation’, which was jointly organised by the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) and the District Mediation Centre.
Pointing out that arguments were usually seen when the concerned parties justified and stuck to their respective opposing stances, she said court judgements in such cases could never be favourable for all those who were involved. “While arriving at verdicts on the basis of circumstantial evidence and the statements of witnesses, only one of the concerned parties could be satisfied by the process. On the other hand, mediation involved finding an amicable and mutually beneficial resolution, wherein a settlement is agreed upon by those concerned. Often, the method proves effective in resolving longstanding disputes. The DLSA aims to create awareness on the advantages of mediation,” the District Judge said.
Delivering the presidential address, district panchayat president U. Prathibha Hari said disputes among persons were on the rise in recent times. Awaiting court judgements in all cases would only lead to an increase in pendency in disposal of cases. The benefits of pursuing mediation for resolving disputes must be propagated among the public, she said.
Mediators K.P. Ranadev, Vimala K. Nambiar and P.G. Suresh conducted classes as part of the programme. DLSA secretary and Sub-Judge A. Shajahan, District Government Pleader R. Sanalkumar, Alappuzha Bar Association president C.V. Lumbmba and mediator K. Jayakumar also spoke on the occasion.
