Manipur Courts embrace mediation: 20-hour refresher training programme underway
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, March 26 2026: A "20-hour Refresher Training Programme" kicked off today at the High Court Auditorium in Imphal, bringing together judicial officers and advocate mediators for a four-day intensive session.

Organised by the Manipur State Legal Services Authority (MASLSA) and the Mediation & Conciliation Project Committee (MCPC) of the Supreme Court of India, the programme aims to boost mediation skills and update participants on the latest developments in the field.

The inaugural session was graced by dignitaries, including Justice M Sundar, Chief Justice, High Court of Manipur cum Patron-in-Chief, MASLSA; Justice A Bimol Singh and Justice A Guneshwar Sharma, Judges of the High Court of Manipur.

Speaking on the occasion, Justice M Sundar emphasized the distinction between adjudication and mediation.

He observed that while Court judgments conclude litigation, mediation aims to resolve the underlying disputes more holistically than the formal justice system operating within statutory frameworks.

Referring to Section 89 of the Code of Civil Procedure, the Chief Justice highlighted that the enactment of the Mediation Act, 2023, has transformed mediation from merely a tool to reduce case pendency into a statutory right and professional responsibility.

He reaffirmed the High Court of Manipur's commitment to promote awareness of mediation as an effective alternative to adversarial litigation.

The Chief Justice advised mediators to uphold neutrality and confidentiality as foundational principles, enabling parties to arrive at self-determined outcomes in a secure environment.

He also encouraged judicial officers to refer suitable cases to mediation at an early stage to facilitate timely resolution.

Addressing members of the Bar, he stressed that resolving disputes through mediation enhances professional credibility and fosters longterm client trust, rather than diminishing professional opportunity.

The training is being conducted by senior trainers deputed by the MCPC, including Justice Shalinder Kaur, former Judge, High Court of Delhi, and several other distinguished Judges and advocates from Delhi, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra.

A total of 33 judicial officers and 75 advocate mediators are participating in the training programme.

Comment