Mediation has now been accorded statutory recognition and judges play a crucial role in identifying cases that can be resolved through the process, High Court Judge R. Nataraj, who is also and Administrative Judge for Ballari district, said on Sunday.

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

The workshop was organised jointly by the Karnataka State Legal Services Authority, the Karnataka Mediation Centre and the District Legal Services Authorities of Ballari, Vijayanagara and Koppal at the District Court Complex in Ballari.

Mr. Nataraj said that mediation and conciliation are not new concepts in India, where disputes have traditionally been resolved through dialogue and mutual understanding.

From resolving family disagreements 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 relationships. It reduces hostility between parties and helps them live in peace and harmony,” he said.

Extending his greetings on International Yoga Day and Father’s Day, Mr. Nataraj wished the participants success in the training programme.

Addressing the gathering as chief guest through virtual mode, High Court Judge C.M. Poonacha, who is also Administrative Judge for Koppal district, said that alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, particularly mediation, have become essential for reducing the mounting burden on courts while preserving relationships between litigating parties.

“Mediation is no longer merely an option, it is now a statutory mandate. With courts facing an enormous backlog of cases, judges can significantly reduce pendency by referring suitable matters for mediation,” he said.

Mr. Poonacha urged judicial officers to move beyond their traditional role of adjudication 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 Centre, Bengaluru, served as resource persons and conducted technical sessions on various aspects of mediation.

Principal District and Sessions Judge and Chairman of the Koppal District Legal Services Authority C. Chandrashekar, Principal District and Sessions Judge and Chairman of the Vijayanagara District Legal Services Authority K.M. Rajashekhar, Principal District and Sessions Judge and Chairman of the Ballari District Legal Services Authority Siddalinga Prabhu, judges from various courts in the three districts and secretaries of the respective District Legal Services Authorities were among those present.