Awareness and sensitization programme held for Referral Judges and Trained Mediators

NAMCHI, 17 Aug [IPR]: Two-day awareness-cum-sensitization programme for “Referral Judges and Trained Mediators” of Sikkim was organized by Sikkim State Legal Services Authority in coordination with Mediation and Conciliation Project, Supreme Court of India on 16 and 17 August 2014 (Saturday and Sunday) at the Conference Hall, District Administrative Centre, Namchi, South Sikkim.
Dr. Sudhir Kumar Jain and Arun Kumar Arya, both Judicial Officers and Master Trainers of Delhi Mediation Centre were the Resource Persons deputed by Mediation & Conciliation Project Committee, Supreme Court of India.
On the first day of the training, seven cases were listed for Mediation. The Resource Persons observed the mediation process and guided the Mediators. Various practical tips and techniques were suggested by the Resource Persons to the Mediators during live mediation process. Out of the seven cases, two cases were settled in the mediation held at the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Centre, Namchi, South Sikkim.
The second half of the programme saw awareness and sensitization of the trained Advocate/Mediators, para-legal volunteers, students, members of the media and the public. The Resource Persons informed what mediation was and how it is conducted. The advantages of settlement by mediation were impressed upon the audience.
On the second day of the training, critiquing-cum-refresher course was held for the trained mediators and Referral Judges. Dr. Sudhir Kumar Jain informed in detail about the techniques to be used for successful mediation. The structured process that is employed by the mediators and the manner in which a settlement is prepared after a successful mediation was also explained by Dr. Jain.
Arun Kumar Arya impressed upon the referral judges that not every case should be referred for mediation. The Courts are to find what cases could be successfully settled by mediation and what cases cannot be settled by mediation. After proper identification, such cases should be referred to the Mediation Centre after filling the Referral Forms. The Supreme Court Judgment in the case 'Afcons Infrastructure Ltd. & Anr. Vs. Cherian Varkey Construction Co. (P)Ltd. & Ors' was also discussed during the session.
Principal District & Sessions Judge (East), District & Sessions Judges of all the districts, Chief Judicial Magistrate (East & North) and Civil Judge-cum-Judicial Magistrates of all the districts attended the training programme. The referral judges and trained mediators placed numerous queries which were all satisfactorily answered by the Resource Persons. The training concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Member Secretary, Sikkim State Legal Services Authority, KW Bhutia.
Posters on Mediation were displayed in and around the Conference Hall, District Administrative Centre, Namchi, South Sikkim. Pamphlets on Mediation were also distributed to all.