SHILLONG, March 16: High Court of Meghalaya Chief Justice Revati Mohite Dere on Sunday highlighted the importance of mediation as an effective and constructive method for resolving disputes in today’s fast-paced world.
Speaking at a seminar on ‘Mediation: Concepts and Techniques’ held at the High Court auditorium, the Chief Justice said disputes often arise at workplaces, families and communities, and mediation provides a platform for dialogue, understanding and empathy among the parties involved.
Justice Dere said mediation enables disputing parties to reach mutually beneficial solutions instead of relying solely on the adversarial system of litigation. She added that the process promotes healing dialogue and helps restore relationships between parties.
Pointing to its advantages, she said mediation is faster, less confrontational, flexible, confidential and cost-effective compared to traditional court litigation, which often involves high expenses, lengthy delays, emotional stress and uncertain outcomes.
Highlighting Meghalaya’s social structure, the Chief Justice noted that traditional dispute resolution practices already exist among communities such as Khasi, Jaintia and Garo, where elders or respected clan members often intervene to resolve disputes related to marriage, inheritance and family responsibilities.
Justice HS Thangkhiew, who also addressed the gathering, said mediation is increasingly becoming an important component of the justice delivery system as it reduces both time and cost while preserving relationships between the parties.
He urged lawyers and other stakeholders to actively support mediation initiatives, noting that amicable settlement of disputes enhances professional credibility and contributes to a more efficient justice system.
The one-day seminar featured a presentation by Aman Hingorani, senior advocate at the Supreme Court and senior trainer with the Mediation and Conciliation Project Committee, who shared insights into mediation practices and dispute resolution mechanisms.
Judges of the High Court, including Justice Wanlura Diengdoh and Justice Biswadeep Bhattacharjee, were present at the event along with Rangbah Shnongs, lawyers, government officials, students of National Law University Meghalaya and other stakeholders.
The seminar was organised by the Meghalaya State Legal Services Authority in collaboration with the Department of Justice, Ministry of Law and Justice, Meghalaya State Judicial Academy and the High Court Mediation Committee under the project ‘Increasing Access to Justice through Community Mediation’.
