Madhya Pradesh Becomes First State To Launch Online Dispute Resolution Platform

On July 10, 2021 the Madhya Pradesh State Legal Services Authority [MPSLSA] e-inaugurated an Online Dispute Resolution Platform as a pilot project in three districts viz. Gwalior, Jabalpur and Bhopal. Justice Mohammad Rafiq, Chief Justice & Patron-in-Chief, MPSLSA and Justice Prakash Shrivastava, Executive Chairman, MPSLSA inaugurated the platform, making Madhya Pradesh the first State in India to use Online Dispute Resolution Platform as a medium to settle disputes through Mediation.

The Press Note by MPSLSA states that the platform will give the people a means for dispute resolution from within the security of their homes. For the new advent, MPSLSA has identified and trained community mediators and partnered with SAMA, an Online Dispute Resolution Platform recognized by the Ministry of Law & Justice Government of India for technical support.

The process involves reception of a call by the Urja Mahila Helpdesks, referral to online mediation and a lasting solution which would be mutually acceptable to both the parties. The press note states,

"If the parties do not resolve their differences they have nothing to lose, not even their money, time, resource or self esteem as the process is completely confidential"

The MPSLSA views the initiative as a means to increase access to justice for people across barriers of physical distances. They plan to spread the project in all districts of the State starting with Bhopal, Jabalpur and Gwalior

On the e-inauguration, Shri Vivek Johri, Director General of Police, Ms. Pragya Richa Shrivastava, Addl. Director General (Crime Against Women), Shri Swaraj Puri, Ex. DGP State of M.P., Shri Rajendra Kumar Vani, Registrar General MP High Court, Member Secretary MPSLSA Smt. Giribala Singh, Shri Manoj Kumar Singh Additional Secretary, Shri Arvind Shrivastava, Deputy Secretary were also present.

As per the Standard Operating Protocols, the platform will deal in matters relating to domestic violence, neighbourhood disputes, property matters and other family disputes. The matter will be decided within seven days of allocation unless an extension of time is required, which might not be any more than thirty-days.

On the receipt of a complaint, the police officer will check the suitability of the issue for mediation and will refer the same after taking consent of both the parties. The mediators will be trained online mediators who will settle the disputes. The matters will be considered as 'closed' when either it is settled or no-settlement is reached.

In August 2020, Madhya Pradesh imparted 40 Hrs online Mediation training to Advocates on various topics. 

Also Read: The Transforming Landscape Of Dispute Resolution: Online Mediation And COVID-19

Click Here To Download The Press Release and Standard Operating Procedures

Read The Press Release and Standard Operating Procedures