LI Network
Published on: 16 July 2023 at 13:54 IST
In a bid to enhance the skills and knowledge of family court judges in the Varanasi cluster, a two-day training workshop on the “Concept and Techniques of Mediation” was recently organized in Varanasi . The workshop aimed to equip judges with the necessary tools and strategies to effectively resolve family disputes through mediation, promoting alternative dispute resolution mechanisms.
The training workshop, brought together family court judges from various districts within the Varanasi cluster. The objective was to provide them with comprehensive insights into the concept of mediation and its application in family law cases.
Renowned experts in the field of mediation and family law were invited to facilitate the sessions and share their expertise with the participants.
The workshop commenced with an inaugural session, graced by esteemed dignitaries and senior judicial officials. The speakers highlighted the significance of mediation in easing the burden on courts and fostering amicable resolutions in family disputes. They emphasized the need for judges to possess a strong foundation in mediation techniques to effectively guide parties towards mutually satisfactory outcomes.
Over the course of the two days, participants engaged in interactive sessions, case studies, and group discussions to delve deeper into the nuances of mediation. The training covered various aspects, including the principles of mediation, effective communication techniques, identifying and addressing power imbalances, dealing with emotional dynamics, and drafting enforceable agreements.
Throughout the workshop, the trainers emphasized the importance of impartiality, confidentiality, and neutrality in mediation proceedings. They also emphasized the role of judges as facilitators, guiding parties towards consensus while ensuring fairness and adherence to legal principles. The judges actively participated in role-playing exercises, allowing them to practice their newly acquired skills and gain practical insights into the mediation process.
The training workshop provided a platform for the family court judges to exchange experiences, discuss challenges, and explore innovative approaches in the context of mediation. They had the opportunity to learn from one another’s expertise and draw upon best practices to enhance their own mediation techniques.
The Training Programme began with a joint inauguration by Justice Ajay Bhanot, Justice Vinod Diwakar, and Justice Arun Kumar Singh Deshwal. They commenced the ceremony by lighting a lamp and seeking blessings from the almighty. Dr. Ajaya Krishna Vishvesha, the District Judge of Varanasi, also attended the inaugural session and extended a warm welcome to all the participants in the holy city of Varanasi.
During his speech, Justice Arun Kumar Singh Deshwal emphasized the adage “Justice delayed is justice denied” and shed light on the growing preference for alternative dispute resolution methods such as negotiation, mediation, arbitration, and conciliation. He highlighted their effectiveness in swiftly resolving issues and providing parties with an avenue for seeking redress outside the courtroom. Justice Deshwal emphasized the benefits of mediation, including its ability to help divorcing couples avoid the financial and emotional costs of litigation, protect confidentiality, and reduce conflict.
In his inaugural address, Justice Vinod Diwakar stressed the importance of training and stated that family disputes have a profound impact on individuals and their loved ones. Recognizing that such disputes challenge the harmony and stability of families, he emphasized the duty of judges to provide a forum where families can find solace, understanding, and resolution. While traditional adversarial court proceedings are necessary in certain cases, Justice Diwakar acknowledged that they may not always foster amicable solutions or preserve family relationships.
Justice Ajay Bhanot extended his best wishes to all the participants for a productive training session and expressed his hope that the Family Court Judges would emerge as better individuals and judges after completing the program.
The training sessions will be conducted by expert Mediation Trainers from the Mediation and Conciliation Project Committee (MCPC), Supreme Court, namely Sri Anoop Kumar Srivastava, Sri Niraj Upadhyay, Smt. Rajlakshmi Sinha, and Sri Sandeep Saxena.
The successful conclusion of the two-day training workshop on the “Concept and Techniques of Mediation” for family court judges in the Varanasi cluster marks a significant step toward strengthening the family justice system. By equipping judges with the necessary skills to employ mediation effectively, the workshop aims to expedite dispute resolution, reduce case backlogs, and foster harmonious outcomes for families in the region.
Such training initiatives reflect the judiciary’s commitment to continually upgrade the skills and knowledge of judges, aligning with the evolving needs of the legal landscape. The Varanasi cluster remains at the forefront of promoting alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, ensuring that families receive the best possible assistance in resolving their disputes amicably.