Mysuru: Alternative dispute resolution mechanisms such as Lok Adalats have made access to justice easier and more affordable, observed District Judge Santhosh Gajanan Bhat, Director of the Karnataka Mediation Centre (Bengaluru Mediation Centre). 

He was speaking after inaugurating a one-day National Seminar on ‘Alternative Dispute Resolution: A Way of Getting Justice,’ organised at Vidyavardhaka Law College recently in memory of late Prof. P.M. Chikkaboraiah. 

Explaining the concept of mediation, Judge Bhat said, it is a process in which a neutral third party, equipped with specialised negotiation and communication skills, helps bridge differences between disputing parties and facilitates an amicable settlement. 

Recalling traditional methods of dispute resolution, he said that in earlier times, disputes in villages were often resolved quickly at the local level. However, with the legal process becoming increasingly expensive and time-consuming, alternative forums such as Lok Adalats have emerged as effective means of delivering justice. 

“India has one of the best Constitutions in the world. Yet, the process of securing justice has become costly for many. In such a situation, alternative legal forums like Lok Adalats play a crucial role in making justice more accessible,” he said. 

Emphasising the importance of Article 39A of the Constitution, Judge Bhat noted that it guarantees equal justice and free legal aid to those who cannot afford legal expenses. “A legal system, founded on the principle of equality, must ensure that no citizen is denied justice. Appropriate laws and programmes should provide free legal services to socially and economically weaker sections. It is the responsibility of the Government to ensure that the poor are not deprived of justice by creating and strengthening alternative avenues for dispute resolution,” he said. 

He further stressed that the Constitutional aspirations could be upheld by promoting alternative legal systems that offer simple, accessible and less adversarial means of resolving disputes. 

Two technical sessions were held following the inaugural programme. Vidyavardhaka Sangha Secretary P. Vishwanath, Treasurer Shreeshail Ramannavar, Law College Managing Committee Chairman K.M. Rajashekar and Principal Dr. P. Deepu were present.