Date:08/09/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/09/08/stories/2008090854590400.htm

Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

Chief Justice advocates use of ADR in settling disputes

PHOTO: NAGARA GOPAL

On a high: Gold medallist Mayuri Rakhecha of the PG course in Alternative Dispute Resolution being congratulated by her colleagues at NALSAR in Hyderabad on Sunday. -

HYDERABAD: Chief Justice of the High Court Anil R. Dave stressed the importance of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) mechanism in permanently settling certain legal rows at a time when the judiciary is facing increased litigation.

He was speaking after presenting certificates and medals to the 2007 batch of PG diploma students of the International Centre for Alternative Dispute Resolution (ICADR) at the NALSAR University of Law, here, on Sunday.

The Chief Justice said the ADR system would help in resolving disputes, specially among persons who stay together, like family members. It was akin to reverting to the old practice of elders settling disputes at a village ‘panchayat’.

He observed that factors like increased population, trust in judiciary, several new enactments, people becoming more conscious of their rights were leading to increased litigation. However, this did not mean that people had become quarrelsome. At the same time, there was no increase in the number of judges and courts, Justice Dave pointed out.

Vice-Chancellor of NALSAR University Veer Singh said ADR was simple, less formal and inexpensive. It sought to arrive at a settlement through a consensual approach. This mechanism was “deeply embedded” in the ancient ‘panchayat’ system.

Ch. G. Krishna Murthy, member, Governing Council & Treasurer, ICADR, said the World Bank was coming in a big way to assist ICADR. Several centres were proposed to be set up in the country. Meanwhile, the diploma holders formed an association, CADRE to increase awareness on ADR mechanism.