The Mediation Cell will enable people to resolve community, medical, family, consumer, and other disputes amicably and peacefully
The Heart Care Foundation of India (HCFI), a leading national non-profit organization inaugurated the HCFI e-Mediation Cell on 7th July 2020. The e-Mediation Cell will use technology to virtually help people across the country in resolving their disputes amicably, thereby maintaining their relationships and also saving time, energy and money.
Hon’ble Justice AK Sikri (Retired) Former Supreme Court Judge, International Judge, Singapore International Commercial Court, was the Chief Guest and Mr Siddharth Luthra, Senior Advocate, Supreme Court of India, Former Additional Solicitor General of India was the Guest of Honor. The event was moderated by Padma Shri Awardee, Dr K K Aggarwal, President, HCFI and CMAAO, and the panelists included Mr Nikhil Rohatgi, Advocate, Supreme Court of India and Mr K K Mukhija, Advocate and Certified Mediator.
Speaking at the inauguration, Dr K K Aggarwal, President, HCFI and CMAAO said, “The Covid-19 pandemic and the resultant lockdown have been heavy – emotionally, financially, and physically – for people from all walks of life. They are under immense stress and strain, and there have been several instances of dispute among people. Given this, we decided to constitute this e-Mediation Cell, which will be a one-stop platform for people to settle things amicably, out of court & before going to court, and ensure that there is peace. The Cell will address all kinds of disputes – from consumer complaints and civil and commercial cases to community, medical, and workplace and family issues.”
During this pandemic and resultant lockdown, many disputes have arisen between people and there is a drastic increase in the onset of mental health concerns. The Mediation Cell has been constituted with the aim of resolving such disputes amicably and achieve equity, equality and justice.
Adding further, Justice AK Sikri (Retired) Former Supreme Court Judge, International Judge, Singapore International Commercial Court said, “Mediation is emerging as one of the fastest ways to resolve disputes around the world. It not only helps both parties relook at what is best considering their mutual interests and come with better solutions out of court. This is also the need of the hour today with everyone already under stress during the lockdown. I commend the HCFI for this initiative.”
Mr Siddharth Luthra, Senior Advocate, Supreme Court of India, Former Additional Solicitor General of India, opined, “It is heartening to see HCFI take this kind of initiative to promote mediation as a mechanism that complements the judicial process. In order for people to trust this out of court process, there is a need to create more awareness about its benefits and develop confidence in them. It is not only economical and time saving but also in the best interest of everyone concerned.”
The HCFI has always been at the forefront of various social and environmental causes that are of interest to public health via its Legal Cell. It has been working towards creating mass health awareness among people from all walks of life since and providing solutions to India’s everyday healthcare needs since 1986.
Giving his views, Mr Nikhil Rohatgi, Advocate Supreme Court of India added, “Mediation is an effective way to resolve any kind of dispute without going through the hassles of a court process. This becomes more important for the younger population, which is already undergoing a difficult time due to the pandemic and lockdown. I congratulate HCFI for this step and hope that several issues can be addressed through the Mediation Cell effectively.”
Mr K K Mukhija, Advocate and Certified Mediator added, “Private mediation of disputes is not a preferred option in India yet due to lack of awareness. Through this Mediation Cell inaugurated by the HCFI, not only will people become better informed of the existence of such an option to settle conflicts but also gain better understanding of how to go about it. The idea is to reduce stress and strain on them and ensure that there is peace.”
A major reason for the sluggish acceptance of mediation in the country is the lack of national and international centres that can provide affordable and quality training on this aspect or settle disputes. HCFI’s e-Mediation Cell has been launched to address all these concerns and become the largest platform for addressing grievances and finding solutions.
