The practical training sessions were held on October 5, 6, 8 and 9 under the aegis of the Mediation and Conciliation Project Committee (MCPC), Supreme Court of India. The programme was organised by the Mediation and Conciliation Committee of the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh in collaboration with the J&K Judicial Academy.
The second day of the Srinagar session was attended by Dr Justice Pushpendra Singh Bhati, Chief Justice of the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, who highlighted the importance of mediation in strengthening the justice delivery system.
The Chief Justice observed that mediation is not merely a professional skill but also a means of becoming a better human being and a more effective advocate, public prosecutor or judge. He emphasised that practical exercises and role-play sessions help develop empathy, understanding and sensitivity in resolving disputes.
Referring to Indian epics, religious traditions and Kashmir’s history, Justice Bhati highlighted the deep-rooted cultural significance of mediation as a means of peaceful dispute resolution.
He also referred to Surah An-Nisa of the Holy Quran, observing that it envisages a process similar to modern mediation, involving representatives from both sides of a dispute to restore harmony.
Justice Rajnesh Oswal, Chairman of the Mediation and Conciliation Committee of the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, was also present on the occasion.
Rajeev Gupta, In-charge Director of the J&K Judicial Academy, welcomed the dignitaries, resource persons and participants. He highlighted the importance of practical training in developing effective mediation skills and said interactive sessions provide participants with hands-on experience in facilitating amicable dispute resolution.
At the Srinagar campus, resource persons Monika Jalota and Swarn Sandhir, experienced advocates and certified mediators, conducted interactive sessions and role-play exercises to strengthen participants’ understanding of mediation techniques and their practical application.
The sessions were moderated by Faizan-ul-Haq Iqbal, Coordinator of the Main Mediation Centre, who facilitated the proceedings at the Srinagar campus.
At the Jammu campus, the programme began with a welcome address by Sunil Kumar, Secretary of the J&K Legal Services Committee. He emphasised the importance of practical training in developing effective and competent mediators.
The role-play training sessions in Jammu were conducted by Yashpal Singh Dahiya and Balbir Kaur Gandhi, resource persons associated with the Mediation and Conciliation Project Committee of the Supreme Court of India.
During the concluding session at the Srinagar campus, Justice Rajnesh Oswal emphasised that mediation should be the preferred choice for dispute resolution rather than a last resort.
He observed that the spirit of mediation is present in everyday life, beginning within families and extending to schools, communities and professional relationships. Drawing on his judicial experience, he highlighted how mediation can help achieve amicable settlements even in long-pending disputes where a resolution initially appears unlikely.
Justice Oswal encouraged participants to apply their newly acquired skills in practice and contribute to the “Mediation for the Nation 3.0” initiative. He underscored the potential of mediation to resolve disputes amicably and enable parties to move forward without bitterness.
Faizan-ul-Haq Iqbal proposed the vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to the Supreme Court of India and the MCPC for their support and guidance. He also acknowledged the contributions of the Mediation and Conciliation Committee, the J&K Judicial Academy’s director and staff, and the resource persons for their guidance and practical insights.
The programme witnessed active participation from advocates and experts, who took part in interactive exercises and simulated mediation proceedings. The sessions enabled participants to apply mediation principles, improve their communication and negotiation skills, and develop greater confidence in facilitating dispute resolution.
The programme forms part of the continuing efforts of the Mediation and Conciliation Committee of the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, under the aegis of the MCPC, to strengthen mediation mechanisms and promote a culture of amicable dispute resolution.
The initiative aims to develop a pool of trained and competent mediators capable of facilitating timely, effective and sustainable settlements, thereby improving access to justice and reducing the burden of litigation.
