SHILLONG: The Meghalaya State Legal Services Authority (MSLSA), in collaboration with the Department of Justice, Ministry of Law and Justice, Government of India, the Meghalaya State Judicial Academy, and the High Court Mediation Committee, organised a one-day seminar on “Mediation: Concepts and Techniques” on Monday, at the auditorium of the High Court of Meghalaya in Shillong.
The seminar was conducted under the Department of Justice-funded project, “Increasing Access to Justice through Community Mediation,” which aims to strengthen dispute resolution mechanisms at the grassroots level.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Justice of the Meghalaya High Court, Justice Revati Mohite Dere, highlighted mediation as a constructive and effective method of resolving conflicts in today’s fast-paced society. She noted that disputes frequently arise in workplaces, families, and communities, and mediation offers a platform that promotes dialogue, understanding, and empathy.
Justice Dere emphasised that mediation enables parties to arrive at mutually beneficial solutions, rather than relying solely on adversarial litigation. She pointed out that mediation fosters constructive communication, restores relationships, and is faster, less confrontational, flexible, confidential, and cost-effective compared to traditional court proceedings, which often involve delays, high costs, and emotional strain.
She also underlined the importance of patience, neutrality, and strong communication skills for mediators. “The objective of a mediator should always be to build bridges and not walls,” she remarked.
Highlighting Meghalaya’s unique social fabric, Justice Dere observed that traditional dispute resolution systems already exist within Khasi, Jaintia, and Garo communities. She noted that family elders and respected clan members often mediate disputes related to marriage, inheritance, and social responsibilities.
At the grassroots level, institutions such as the Dorbar Shnong in Khasi and Jaintia Hills regularly address minor civil disputes, including land and neighbourhood conflicts, through dialogue and consensus. Similarly, in the Garo Hills, the Nokma plays a crucial role in resolving disputes and safeguarding community interests.
She further referred to higher customary institutions such as the Dorbar Raid and Dorbar Hima, which serve as forums for resolving disputes that cannot be settled at the village level, with a focus on reconciliation and community harmony.
Justice Dere also stated that the MSLSA is actively implementing the community mediation project by conducting training and sensitisation programmes for headmen, Nokmas, and community leaders on mediation techniques, legal literacy, and customary laws.
Speaking on the occasion, Justice H. S. Thangkhiew, Chairman of the MSLSA, stressed the growing importance of mediation in the justice delivery system. He noted that mediation reduces both time and cost while preserving relationships between disputing parties.
He urged lawyers and stakeholders to actively support mediation initiatives, stating that amicable dispute resolution strengthens both society and the credibility of legal professionals.
Justice Thangkhiew further informed that Meghalaya is among the first states in the country to implement a community mediation pilot project supported by the Department of Justice. The initiative includes research, surveys, and training programmes aimed at strengthening grassroots dispute resolution and reducing the burden on courts.
The seminar was attended by judges of the Meghalaya High Court, including Justice Wanlura Diengdoh and Justice Biswadeep Bhattacharjee, along with Rangbah Shnongs, legal practitioners, government officials, and other stakeholders.
The programme also featured a presentation by Dr Aman Hingorani, Senior Advocate at the Supreme Court of India and Senior Trainer with the Mediation and Conciliation Project Committee, who shared insights on mediation practices and dispute resolution mechanisms.
