Telangana State Legal Services Authority Concludes 'Mediation For The Nation' Campaign, Settles 179 Cases In 90 Days

The Telangana State Legal Services Authority (TSLSA) successfully concluded its 90-day "Mediation for the Nation" campaign, settling 179 cases across the state. 

Telangana High Court judge Justice P. Sam Koshy who is also the Executive Chairman of TSLSA, led a sensitization program on August 2 at the District Legal Services Authority premises in Kushaiguda, emphasizing the critical role of mediation in reducing judicial burden and promoting amicable dispute resolution.

A press note issued by the authority states that the program was conducted under the guidance of High Court Chief Justice Aparesh Kumar Singh who is also the Patron-in-Chief of TSLSA. Other attendees included Principal District and Sessions Judge of Medchal-Malkajgiri District Smt. S.N. Sridevi, and Member Secretary of TSLSA Ch. Panchakshari. 

Speaking at the awareness program, Justice Koshy highlighted that mediation is not a foreign concept to Indian society.

"The system of settlement of issues by elders in the family, by village leaders are known to one and all, and it is that we have now brought within the ambit of Alternative Dispute Redressal Forum," Justice Koshy said. 

Drawing parallels with international practices, Justice Koshy noted that in Western countries, mediation has become a "fast-growing profession" with trained mediators settling disputes in the corporate world. He pointed out that multinational companies now increasingly include mediation clauses in major contracts, sometimes even prioritizing it over arbitration.

The campaign trained 30 mediators across Telangana. Justice Koshy urged these trained professionals to use their skills "for the betterment of society and the institution and betterment for the legal system as a whole."

Justice Koshy outlined the comprehensive scope of mediation, covering "family matters, commercial disputes, civil disputes, petty criminal cases, consumer forum disputes, and Motor Vehicle Accident issues." He emphasized the practical advantages: saving court time, reducing docket inflation, and minimizing litigation costs for parties.

The program also addressed the pressing issue of child marriage eradication, with Justice Koshy highlighting concerning statistics from Telangana. He identified the highest contributor to child marriage cases, are in areas with limited education and awareness.

Stressing on eradication of Child Marriage, Justice Koshy referred to a recent news involving a 40-year-old man marrying a 13-year-old eighth-grade student. The case came to light when the victim courageously informed her school teacher after two months of cohabitation. 

"We have the ASHA Units, Para Legal Volunteers, Panel lawyers constituted in the district to educate the people," Justice Koshy stated, emphasizing the collective responsibility in combating child marriages through awareness campaigns in villages.

Justice Koshy further asked the parties to "settle their disputes amicably in a peaceful atmosphere through the process of mediation" and appealed to the public to utilize free legal services provided by Legal Services Institutions.

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