MASLSA holds sensitization programme for mediators on Commercial Courts Act
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, September 16 2026: The Manipur State Legal Services Authority (MASLSA) organised a one-day sensitization programme for advocate mediators on the Commercial Courts Act, 2015 on Wednesday at the Auditorium of the High Court of Manipur.

Justice A Guneshwar Sharma, Judge, High Court of Manipur, attended the programme as resource person.

The programme commenced with a welcome address by Ojesh Mutum, i/c Member Secretary, MASLSA.

He highlighted the significance of organising the sensitization programme in light of Section 12A of the Commercial Courts Act, 2015, which provides for pre-institution mediation and settlement of commercial disputes.

He stated that MASLSA and the District Legal Services Authorities have an important role to play in facilitating the mechanism under Section 12A of the Act.

In his presentation, Justice A Guneshwar Shanna gave an overview of the objectives and framework of the Commercial Courts Act, 2015, which seeks to ensure speedy and efficient adjudication of commercial disputes.

He explained the meaning and scope of "commercial dispute" under Section 2(1)(c) of the Act, covering various categories of commercial transactions.

Justice A Guneshwar Sharma explained that under Section 12A of the Act, except in cases where urgent interim relief is contemplated, a suit relating to a commercial dispute cannot be instituted without first exhausting the statutory remedy of pre-institution mediation.

He also explained the role of the Legal Services Authorities and the procedure prescribed under the Commercial Courts (Pre-Institution Mediation and Settlement) Rules, 2018 .

He also spoke on the provisions of the Mediation Act 2023 and the significant role of trained mediators in facilitating early and amicable resolution of commercial disputes.

The programme concluded with a vote of thanks from S Mangaleibi Devi, Additional Member Secretary, MASLSA .

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