Mediation helps restore relationships, reduce court burden, High Court judges say

A workshop for judges and judicial officers from Ballari, Vijayanagara and Koppal districts is underway at the Ballari District Court complex on Sunday, while High Court Judge CM Poonacha is seen addressing the participants virtually on a screen. | Photo credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

Mediation has now been given statutory recognition and judges play a key role in identifying cases that can be resolved through the process, High Court Justice R. Nataraj, who is also the Ballari District Administrative Magistrate, said on Sunday.

Inaugurating a one-day refresher training on mediation for judges and advancing judges of Ballari, Vijayanagara and Koppal districts through virtual mode, Mr. Nataraj said that judges must identify which disputes are suitable for mediation and facilitate amicable settlements between the parties.

The workshop was jointly organized by the Karnataka State Legal Services Authority, Karnataka Mediation Center and the Ballari, Vijayanagara and Koppal District Legal Services Offices at the Ballari District Court Complex.

Mr. Nataraj said that mediation and conciliation is not a new concept in India, where disputes are traditionally resolved through dialogue and mutual understanding.

From resolving family disputes to settling village disputes, elders and community leaders have long played the role of mediators, he noted.

“Mediation not only resolves disputes but also restores strained relations. It reduces animosity between the parties and helps them live in peace and harmony,” he said.

Mr. Nataraj greeted the participants on the International Day of Yoga and Father’s Day and wished the participants success in the training program.

CM Poonacha High Court Judge, who is also the Koppal District Administrative Judge, addressed the gathering as the chief guest through virtual mode and said that alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, especially mediation, have become necessary to reduce the increasing burden on the courts while maintaining relations between the parties to the dispute.

“Mediation is no longer just an option, it is now a statutory mandate. With courts facing an enormous backlog, judges can significantly reduce the backlog by referring appropriate matters to mediation,” he said.

Mr. Poonacha urged court officials to transcend their traditional decision-making role and proactively encourage parties to opt for mediation at the earliest stage of litigation.

Such efforts will help promote social harmony and strengthen public confidence in the justice delivery system, he added.

Brinda Nandakumar and Jo Joseph, trainers from the Karnataka Mediation Center in Bengaluru, served as resources and conducted technical sessions on various aspects of mediation.

Chief District and Sessions Judge and Chairman District Legal Services Authority Koppal C. Chandrashekar, Chief District and Sessions Judge and Chairman District Legal Services Authority Vijayanagara KM Rajashekhar, Chief District and Sessions Judge and Chairman District Legal Services Authority Ballari Siddalinga Prabhu, Judges from various districts and Registrars present in three three District Courts

Published – 21 Jun 2026 19:19 IST