Ganderbal, August 6 (JKNS): In furtherance of the nationwide initiative “Mediation for Nation drive 3.0”, Principal District & Sessions Judge (Coordinator District Mediation Center), Ganderbal, chaired two consecutive meetings today, with Judicial Officers and Members of the Bar Association, to make them aware regarding the implementation of Mediation for Nation Drive 3.0 initiative, pursuant to the directions from the Jammu & Kashmir Legal Services Authority regarding the launch of the campaign under the guidance of the Mediation and Conciliation Project Committee (MCPC), Hon’ble Supreme Court of India.
As part of the preparatory cum awareness process two separate meetings were convened under the chairmanship of Abdul Nasir, Principal District & Sessions (PD&SJ) Judge, Ganderbal.
The first meeting was chaired by the PD&SJ and was attended by Secretary DLSA Ganderbal Sheikh Babar Hussain and members of Bar Association, Trained mediators and Legal Aid Defense Counsels of the District.
The second meeting was convened with all the Judicial Officers of District Ganderbal, including Fozia Faul, Additional District & Sessions Judge, Ganderbal; Nusrat Ali Hakak, Chief Judicial Magistrate, Ganderbal; Sheikh Babar Husain, Secretary, District Legal Services Authority, Ganderbal; Mahoor, Munsiff, Ganderbal.
While addressing the participants in both meetings, the PD&SJ, highlighted the significance of the “Mediation for Nation drive 3.0” and called upon Judicial Officers, members of the Bar, Legal Aid Defense Counsels, and Panel Mediators to extend their wholehearted cooperation for its successful implementation by involving themselves actively for this noble initiative. He emphasized that mediation is an effective, speedy, confidential, and amicable mode of dispute resolution that not only preserves relationships but also reduces the burden of litigation and ensures timely justice, as well as maintains harmony between the parties.
The participants were also apprised of the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the nationwide campaign. It was informed that during the period from 1st August to 30th September, 2026, emphasis shall be laid on identifying pending cases having an element of settlement, conducting pre-mediation screening, issuing notices to parties, referring fit cases to mediation centers, undertaking awareness and outreach activities, and publishing the list of identified cases on the notice boards of the Courts, Bar Associations and official websites. The nationwide mediation drive has commenced from 1st August, 2026, with regular transmission of progress reports to the Mediation and Conciliation Project Committee (MCPC), Hon’ble Supreme Court of India.
The Coordinator District Mediation Center also focused on the need for collective and coordinated efforts by Judicial Officers, advocates, mediators, Legal Aid Defense Counsels, Para Legal Volunteers, Law Students and other stakeholders in identifying suitable matters and creating greater awareness among litigants regarding the benefits of mediation.
He directed that pending civil, matrimonial, commercial, consumer, motor accident claims, cheque dis-honor, partition, property and other compoundable or settlement-oriented matters be thoroughly scrutinized and cases suitable for mediation be identified for referral to the District Mediation Centre, Ganderbal, in accordance with the applicable rules and directions of the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India and the Hon’ble High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.
The drive also aims to encourage the Bar Association and Panel Mediators to play an active role in identifying suitable matters, facilitating meaningful dialogue between parties and creating awareness regarding mediation as an efficient and cost-effective means of dispute resolution.
The Coordinator District Mediation Center has further sought category-wise data of pending matters suitable for mediation from the concerned Courts for onward transmission to the J&K Legal Services Authority and coordination with the Main Mediation Centre, High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. (JKNS)