'Treated Conflicts As Fights For Too Long': Supreme Court Judge Augustine Masih Inaugurates 73 Mediation Centres In Gujarat

The Gujarat State Legal Services Authority on Wednesday (October 8) virtually launched Mediation Centres in 73 different Talukas (a subdivision of a district) across the State, taking the tally upto 123. 

The mediation centres were inaugurated by Supreme Court Justice Augustine George Masih, who was the Chief Guest at the event. 

In his speech Justice Masih highlighted the efficient nature of mediation which allows matters to settles which would otherwise take years. He said that mediation is less expensive and it is confidential which means "reputations are protected" and because it is non-adversarial it helps in preserving relationships. He said that most importantly settlements in mediations last longer because parties themselves create them," he said. 

"This proposal by the Gujarat Legal Services Authority is a step in the right direction. Spaces need to be created that honour the practice. Allocation of funds, infrastructure of better mediation rooms and training of mediators has to be increased. Mediation needs patronage of the judiciary to be accepted by the community as dispute resolution mechanism. For this mediators should encourage young advocates to participate in mediation sessions to gain practical exposure in mediation skills. This will not only strengthen the institution to create future pool of trained mediators but will also enhance awareness in mediation culture. GSLSA working in this direction, in furtherance thereto today has opened up 73 mediation centres at the remotest taluka courts in the state. As has been informed advocates have also been shortlisted who are being imparted 40 hours MCP training and empanelling them as mediators. The whole yearly calendar has also been prepared for conducting training programs, which also shows the commitment of the Gujarat State and GSLSA to proceed and move in the process of bringing about a successful culture of mediation in the society at large. This are commendable steps..."

"For too long we have treated conflicts as fights to be won. Mediation asks us to see it instead as a problem to solve together...mediation can transform dispute resolution as something which is accessible, participatory and deeply human...I wish that the process which has been initiated is a huge success not only Gujarat but in other places also when it is followed and imbibed in the system as such," he added. 

The event was attended by Gujarat High Court Chief Justice Sunita Agarwal who is also the Patron-in-Chief (GSLSA), Justice Alpesh Y. Kogje who is the Executive Chairman GSLSA, Justice AS Supehia and other high court judges, Judicial Officers of high court Registry and Officers of GSLSA.  

The Chairpersons and Secretaries of various District Legal Services Authorities across the State, Judicial Officers of the State, Legal Aid Defence Counsels, Panel Lawyers, Para Legal Volunteers and other stakeholders joined virtually.

As per a press release issued by GSLSA, after today's inauguration, the total number of Mediation Centres at Taluka Places in the State reaches to 123 and with this initiative, citizens of rural and semi-urban areas no longer need to go to the District Center.

Click Here To Read/Download Press Note