Jammu & Kashmir High Court CJ Inaugurates 40-Hrs Mediation Training Program For Advocates

The Chief Justice of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh High Court, Justice N. Kotiswar Singh on Wednesday inaugurated a 40-hours Mandatory Mediation Training Programme for advocates in Kashmir at the J&K Judicial Academy (JKJA) in Moominabad, Srinagar.

The program aims to enhance the efficiency, accessibility, and harmony of the alternate dispute resolution system in J&K.

Several distinguished judges, including Justice Tashi Rabstan, Justice Atul Sreedharan, Justice Sindhu Sharma, Justice Javed Iqbal Wani, Justice Mohammad Akram Choudhary, and Justice Rajesh Sekhri, were also present during the inauguration, stated a press note issued by the Department of Information of J&K.

In his address, the Chief Justice emphasized the transformative power of mediation in achieving swift, fair, and cost-effective resolutions. He encouraged advocates to embrace mediation as a valuable tool to improve access to justice, reduce the burden on the judiciary, and promote harmony within the community.

Justice Tashi Rabstan, the senior most puisne Judge in his special address, shed light on the advantages of mediation and the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) system. He highlighted the effectiveness of mediation in resolving disputes, reducing litigation costs, and preserving relationships.

Y.P Bourney, the Director of J&K Judicial Academy, stressed upon the transformative impact of the mediation training program on the legal community in his welcome address.

Amit Gupta, the Member Secretary of J&K Legal Services Authority and Coordinator of the Mediation and Conciliation Committee, extended his vote of thanks to the distinguished guests, participants, potential trainers, and organizers for their contribution to the success of the program.

The 40-Hours Mandatory Mediation Training Programme is an initiative of the Mediation and Conciliation Committee of the High Court of J&K and Ladakh, under the aegis of the Mediation and Conciliation Project Committee (MCPC), Supreme Court of India. It aims to equip advocates with specialized skills and in-depth knowledge of mediation practices, encouraging amicable settlements and reinforcing the principles of justice and equality.

During the event, the Chief Justice also planted a tree within the premises of the J&K Judicial Academy. This symbolic initiative reflects the Chief Justice's dedication to environmental conservation and fostering a greener future for generations to come.

The program was attended by various dignitaries, including Principal Secretary to the Chief Justice, M.K. Sharma; Principal District & Sessions Judge, Srinagar, Jawad Ahmed; Registrar Vigilance, Tasleem Arif; Registrar Rules, Rajinder Sapru; Registrar IT, Anoop Sharma; Secretary, HCLSC, Prem Sagar; Joint Registrar (Protocol), Abdul Bari, and a large number of advocates.