JAMMU: High Court pushes for mediation in banking disputes

Jammu: On the directives of the Chief Justice of the Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh High Courts, a meeting was held today under the chairmanship of M.K. Sharma, Registrar General of the J&K and Ladakh High Courts, as part of the nationwide initiative “Mediation for the Nation 2.0.” The meeting was attended by Faizan Iqbal, Coordinator of the Main Mediation Centre, Sunil Kumar, Secretary of the High Court Legal Services Committee, and divisional/branch managers of various public and private sector banks and insurance companies. The objective was to strengthen the role of mediation as an effective alternative dispute resolution system, especially in banking and financial disputes. During the meeting, the Registrar General emphasized the importance of mediation, a cost-effective, speedy, and amicable dispute resolution system, especially in cases involving banks and financial institutions, where protracted litigation often causes avoidable delays and increases the burden on the courts and stakeholders. Participants were briefed on the objectives and goals of the “Mediation for the Nation 2.0” campaign, which aims to promote mediation as the preferred method of dispute resolution and foster a culture of dialogue and compromise. The coordinator of the Main Mediation Center briefed participants on the workings of mediation centers, the processes involved in mediation proceedings, and the categories of disputes that can be effectively resolved through mediation. He emphasized the need for prompt referral of appropriate cases to mediation and close coordination between banks and mediation centers. Participating bank officials commended the initiative and pledged their full support in furthering the objectives of “Mediation for the Nation 2.0,” in line with the Chief Justice’s vision of strengthening other dispute resolution mechanisms within the justice delivery system. The meeting concluded with a reaffirmation of the joint commitment to ensure the success of the mediation initiative through continued coordination, awareness, and institutional support.