40-Hour Mediation Training Programme Inaugurated At Bihar Judicial Academy

In a bid to promote the amicable resolution of pending disputes in the High Court, the Bihar State Legal Services Authority (BSLSA) has launched a "40 hours Mediation Training Programme" on "Concept and Techniques of Mediation" for advocates. Under the agesis of the Mediation and Conciliation Project Committee (MCPC) of the Supreme Court of India and NALSA, the training program was inaugurated on December 19, 2023, at the Bihar Judicial Academy by Justice K. Vinod Chandran, Chief Justice, Patna High Court-cum Patron in Chief, BSLSA.

The MCPC, known for its successful court-integrated mediation process since 2005 and Patna High Court Mediation Committee has approved the 40-hour training programme commencing on December 19 and concluding on December 23, 2023. The training program is being organised with coordination with Bihar Judicial Academy.

The inauguration ceremony witnessed the presence of several esteemed dignitaries including Justice Chakradhari Sharan Singh, Patna High Court-cum-Executive Chairman, BSLSA; Justice Ashutosh Kumar, Patna High Court-cum-Chairman, Bihar Judicial Academy; Justice Vipul M. Panchaoli, Judge, Patna High Court-cum-Chairperson, Patna High Court Legal Services Committee; and Justice P.B. Bajanthri, Judge, Patna High Court-cum-Chairman, Patna High Court Mediation Committee. Other Judges of the Patna High Court also graced the occasion.

In his address, Chief Justice K. Vinod Chandran emphasized the need to integrate mediation effectively with litigation, cautioning against a rigid approach by advocates and stressing the importance of conducting mediation in a "sweet and soft" manner.

Justice Chakradhari Sharan Singh shared his experience attending similar training programs, emphasizing the creation of a mediation-friendly atmosphere regardless of the outcome. Justice Ashutosh Kumar highlighted the importance of thinking outside the box in mediation proceedings.

Justice Vipul M. Pancholi discussed the newly enacted Mediation Act, 2023, expressing confidence that the training will equip mediators with the necessary skills and insights. Justice P.B. Bajanthri asserted that trained mediators would contribute to reducing the time taken to resolve conflicts and provide psychological benefits to the parties involved.

Ms. Shilee Soniraj, Member Secretary of the Bihar State Legal Services Authority, presented a welcome address, while Mr. Ashok Kumar Pandey, Director of the Bihar Judicial Academy, delivered the vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to the judges of the Patna High Court for inaugurating the training programme.

The programme also saw the presence of key attendees, including the Registrar General of the Patna High Court, officers of the Registry, Law Secretary of the Government of Bihar, District & Sessions Judge of Patna, officers of BSLSA and BJA, DLSA Secretary of Patna, and senior trainers nominated by MCPC, Supreme Court of India. Advocates from the Patna High Court Mediation Centre also actively participated in the event.

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