R. Nataraj,High Court Judge and Administrative Judge for Ballari district,highlighted mediation's crucial role in judicial process during training workshop Sunday. Held virtually, it aimed at boosting skills of judges and referral judges from Ballari,Vijayanagara, and Koppal districts. Nataraj noted judges must now pinpoint cases fit for mediation,leading to amicable solutions .
Workshop was a joint effort by Karnataka State Legal Services Authority, Karnataka Mediation Centre,and District Legal Services Authorities of three districts . Nataraj said mediation and conciliation are deeply rooted in Indian culture, settling disputes through dialogue. He remarked,“Mediation not only resolves disputes but also restores strained relationships.” This approach,he argued,fosters peace,reduces hostility among parties.
C.M. Poonacha,another High Court Judge and Administrative Judge for Koppal district, stressed urgency of adopting alternative dispute resolution mechanisms. He said mediation has shifted from optional to statutory. With courts swamped by backlog,Poonacha emphasized judges can lighten load by referring suitable cases to mediation.
He urged judicial officers to take proactive stance,encouraging mediation early in litigation. Such moves,he argued,would ease court congestion,promote social harmony, and boost public trust in justice system.
Training included sessions by Brinda Nandakumar and Jo Joseph from Karnataka Mediation Centre,offering insights on effective mediation . Gathering saw figures like C. Chandrashekar, Principal District and Sessions Judge and Chairman of Koppal District Legal Services Authority,and K.M . Rajashekhar,Principal District and Sessions Judge and Chairman of Vijayanagara District Legal Services Authority.
As workshop wrapped up,Nataraj extended best wishes to participants,coinciding with International Yoga Day and Father’s Day. The event marked a key step toward integrating mediation into judicial framework. Can it really ease court pressures, foster harmony..?
