The 48th International Kolkata Book Fair, which began on January 28 at Central Park in Salt Lake, continues to draw a crowd of book lovers. The fair, which will run until February 9, features a diverse collection of books from both local and international authors. However, one particular stall at the fair has been attracting special attention this year — the Calcutta High Court Mediation and Consolidation Committee’s stall, number 321, located near Gate No. 5.
This stall has become a hotspot for visitors curious about the role of mediation in resolving disputes and easing the burden on the judicial system. With the support of the Mediation Committee members, including Mohammad Naushad, Akbar Ali, and Moushumi Mondal, visitors are receiving detailed information and literature about the importance and effectiveness of mediation. The committee’s efforts are aligned with a larger national mandate, aimed at reducing the growing number of pending cases in Indian courts as directed by the Supreme Court.
Under the leadership of Chief Justice TS Shivagnanam and Justice Soumen Sen, and with the management of Member Secretary Sanjeev Sharma, the Mediation Committee is playing a pivotal role in facilitating out-of-court settlements across West Bengal. The committee operates year-round, helping resolve disputes through alternative dispute resolution (ADR) methods, and has seen tremendous success.
Dr. Subhasish Muhuri, Deputy Registrar (Legal) at Calcutta High Court and Officer-in-Charge of the Mediation Committee, shared that the committee has been in operation since 2009. He highlighted the increasing effectiveness of the program, noting that last year alone, mediation training was completed for 125 individuals from various fields, including retired judges, former IPS officers, lawyers, architects, and journalists. This diverse group is now equipped to help facilitate mediation sessions across the state.
The committee’s efforts are especially notable as they manage 72 ADR centers across West Bengal, where disputes between parties are resolved confidentially and impartially. The mediation process aims to offer a peaceful and efficient alternative to lengthy court proceedings, providing quicker resolutions and reducing case backlogs.
Dr. Muhuri emphasized the significance of spreading awareness about mediation, stating that the stall at the Kolkata Book Fair serves as an excellent platform to inform the public about how mediation can contribute to justice in a more accessible and less adversarial manner. As visitors engage with the materials, they are learning how mediation can be a valuable tool in dispute resolution, benefiting individuals and the judicial system as a whole.
With continued efforts and outreach, the Calcutta High Court Mediation Committee is helping pave the way for a more efficient and fair justice system for all.
-Molla Jasimuddin, Hello Kolkata