DNLU: Celebrating Three Years Of Women's Indian Chamber Of Commerce Madhya Pradesh And A Mediation Milestone

The Women's Indian Chamber of Commerce Madhya Pradesh commemorated its third-year anniversary with an event marking the fourth anniversary of E-mediation Writings, illuminating the theme of 'Empowering India with a Mediation Mindset on June 2nd, 2024 at Bhopal. The event garnered participation from luminaries such as Governor of Madhya Pradesh, Mangubhai Patel, Judge of the Supreme Court of India, Justice J.K. Maheshwari, Former Chief Justice of Delhi High Court and Chairperson of Armed ForcesTribunal, Justice Rajendra Menon, as well as esteemed judges from various high courts. 

The proceedings commenced with a gracious welcome by National Member of WICCI Adv. Neena Khare. In his inaugural address, Chief Guest and Governor of Madhya Pradesh, highlighted the pivotal role of mediation in the judicial landscape, emphasizing the imperative for youth engagement in advocating its merits. Governor Patel particularly urged for focused efforts in tribally dominated areas to ensure equitable access to dispute resolution mechanisms, especially for economically and socially marginalized communities.

During a special address, Guest of Honour,  Justice J.K. Maheshwari, who also serves as the Visitor to Dharmashastra National Law University, Jabalpur, delved into the rich tapestry of Indian cultural heritage, drawing parallels from ancient texts like the Ramcharitramanas and Mahabharata to illuminate the historical precedence of mediation. Justice Maheshwari accentuated the significance of mediation in resolving familial disputes with impartiality and equanimity.

In his presidential address, Shri Rajendra Menon, emphasised on the integration of professional mediation courses within educational institutions, elaborated the need for robust training infrastructure to nurture skilled mediators. Justice Menon implored Dharmashastra National Law University to spearhead similar initiatives to cultivate a generation adept in the art of mediation encouraging younger lawyers to take a step towards this path by skilling themselves in and working in the area of mediation advocacy. Furthermore, he highlighted the mandatory guideline issued by the Bar Council of India on May 20, 2024, making mediation a compulsory subject. This guideline, initially communicated in 2020, includes a detailed syllabus and references for implementation by legal education centres. Justice Menon called upon institutions to adhere to the guideline and expressed hope for widespread adoption within a year.

The event culminated with the ceremonial launch of the E-Mediation Writing calendar by the EMW team, heralding a new chapter in the Chamber's ongoing mission to foster a culture of constructive dispute resolution.

The inaugural panel discussion session centred around the transition from Mediation Advocacy: Competition to Collaboration, cahired over by the esteemed Justice Vijay Kumar Shukla, Judge, High Court of M.P. His discourse emphasized the pragmatic application of mediation methodologies. Joining the discussion as panellists were Justice Vishal Dhagat, Judge, High Court of M.P and Shri Justice Purushaindra Kaurav, Judge, Delhi High Court. Justice Dhagat emphasised upon the mediative approach to arrive at a solution in a collaborative, consensus-building manner involving far more than just the practice of law. Justice Kaurav, drawing from Munshi Premchand's writings, eloquently illustrated neutral dispute resolution techniques embedded within rural narratives. He further elaborated on the mediation practices followed since the medieval times.

Subsequently, the second panel discussion was dedicated to Mediation Education: Empowering India with a Mediation Mindset, chaired by Prof. (Dr.) Manoj Kumar Sinha, Vice Chancellor of National Law University Jabalpur. Prof. Sinha delineated the synergies between the ancient wisdom of Dharmashastra and the contemporary utility of mediation in conflict resolution. Dr. Pratibha Raj Gopal, Director of the State Women Resource Centre, and Dr. Debashri Sarkar, Assistant Professor, NLIU Bhopal panelled the session.

The culmination of the symposium featured a panel discussion on Community Mediation, entitled 'Rishton ka Taana Baana', chaired by the esteemed Justice Vivek Russia, Judge, High Court of M.P. Dr. Justice Sudhir Kumar Jain, Judge, Delhi High Court, Justice Neena Bansal, Judge, Delhi High Court and Senior Advocate A.S Chandhiok enriched the discourse by underscoring the pivotal role of Community Mediation as an inclusive platform accessible to all strata of society, transcending socio-economic barriers. They emphasized upon its efficacy in resolving disputes typically beyond the ambit of formal justice systems, encompassing familial, neighbourhood, and small-scale commercial conflicts.

Ms. Rashmi Bhargava, CEO-De Nova Group addressed the gathering on happiness circle. Ms. Pusshp Gupta also addressed the gathering urging participation of women in mediation. The moderation of these enlightening sessions was expertly handled by Mr. K.S Sharma, a Collaboration Coach, along with the astute guidance of Deputy Director & Professor at Amity University Gwalior, Dr. Rakhi Singh Chouhan, and Ms. Neena Khare.