Bhubaneswar: The second National Mediation Workshop will be held in Bhubaneswar on September 28 with the objective of promoting dispute resolution through mediation as an alternative to lengthy court proceedings.
A high-level preparatory meeting chaired by Law, Public Works and Excise Minister Prithviraj Harichandan was convened at Lok Seva Bhawan to finalize arrangements for the event, which will take place at its Convention Hall.
The meeting focused on detailed planning for the smooth conduct of the workshop, including arrangements for accommodation, hospitality and the overall organisation for dignitaries and delegates.
Addressing officials, Minister Harichandan said that people often approach courts for minor issues, which adds unnecessary pressure on the judiciary and delays justice delivery in crucial cases.
Mediation, he emphasised, provides a more efficient path to dispute resolution and can help ease the burden on courts.
The upcoming national workshop in Bhubaneswar, he added, would serve to spread awareness about the benefits of this mechanism. He also directed departments to ensure that guests experience Odisha’s rich art, culture, tourism and hospitality.
The workshop is expected to see the participation of Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai, Chief Justices from several states, judges, Advocates General, Law Secretaries and representatives from various mediation-related institutions.
Among those present at the preparatory meeting were Advocate General Pitambar Acharya, DGP Yogesh Bahadur Khurania, Principal Secretary of Law Department Manas Ranjan Barik, Principal Secretary of IT and Energy Vishal Dev, Police Commissioner (Cuttack-Bhubaneswar) S Dev Datta Singh, Tourism Commissioner-cum-Secretary Balwant Singh, IPICOL MD Bhupendra Singh Punia, Special Secretary of Home Department R.K. Sharma, I&PR Director (Technical) Gurubir Singh and Additional Secretary of Law Department Shiv Prasad Mahapatra, along with senior officials from different departments.
