Happenings
A Five-Day Mediation Training Programme of 40 hours duration was successfully conducted by HCLSSC, with the approval of the Mediation and Conciliation Project Committee (MCPC), New Delhi, from 29 December 2025 to 2 January 2026 at Symbiosis Law School, Nagpur. The training session started with the inauguration in presence of Shri Sunil Hake, Secretary Legal Services, Honble District Judge, K.N. Gautam and Honble Deputy Commission Shri, Bhavsar. The training programme was designed to build conceptual clarity, practical skills, and ethical orientation among participants in the field of mediation, in line with national standards prescribed for mediator training. The programme aimed at equipping participants with the knowledge and skills required to effectively function as trained mediators, emphasizing experiential learning, practical simulations, and reflective discussions.
The training sessions were conducted at Symbiosis Law School, Nagpur. Duration of the training was Five Days (40 Hours) training between 29 December 2025 to 2 January 2026 The training sessions were conducted by eminent and experienced professionals in the field of dispute resolution. The resource persons/ trainers were Shri K. N. Gautam, District Judge and Additional Sessions Judge, Gondia and Shri S. N. Bhavsar, Deputy Charity Commissioner, Akola. The trainers brought with them rich judicial and administrative experience, providing participants with both theoretical grounding and practical insights into mediation practice.
A total of twenty-five (25) faculty members participated in the training programme. The participants represented diverse academic and professional backgrounds, contributing to enriching discussions and collaborative learning throughout the sessions.
The key objectives of the mediation training programme were:
- To develop a clear understanding of mediation as an effective Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanism.
- To distinguish mediation from other ADR mechanisms such as arbitration, conciliation, and negotiation.
- To enhance communication and negotiation skills essential for mediators.
- To provide hands-on experience through structured role-plays and simulations.
- To instill ethical values and professional standards required of mediators.
The programme commenced with an in-depth discussion on the concept, nature, and scope of mediation. Participants were introduced to the philosophy of mediation and its growing relevance in the Indian justice delivery system. The trainers clearly explained the distinction between mediation and other ADR mechanisms, emphasizing mediation’s facilitative, non-adjudicatory, and party-centric approach. A significant portion of the training focused on developing core communication skills, which are central to the mediation process. Participants were trained in:
- Active listening to understand not only positions but also underlying interests and emotions.
- Reframing techniques to transform adversarial statements into constructive dialogue.
- Understanding the power of non-verbal communication, including body language, tone, and silence, in building trust and rapport.
Interactive exercises enabled participants to practice and internalize these skills.
One of the most engaging components of the programme was the extensive use of practical role-plays, which effectively bridged the gap between theory and practice. Participants actively took part in simulated mediation sessions based on hypothetical disputes such as:
- Savitri v. Lokesh Chander
- Mohan v. Soft Drink Company
These role-plays allowed participants to assume the roles of mediators and disputing parties, thereby gaining first-hand experience in managing sessions, facilitating dialogue, handling emotions, and guiding parties toward mutually acceptable solutions.The trainers provided valuable insights into identifying and managing impasse situations during mediation. Participants learned strategies to overcome deadlocks and were introduced to the concept of integrative, interest-based bargaining, focusing on win–win outcomes rather than positional bargaining. Practical examples and group discussions helped participants understand how creative problem-solving can lead to sustainable settlements.
The programme also emphasized the ethical pillars of mediation, which are fundamental to the credibility and effectiveness of the process. Detailed discussions were held on:
- Impartiality and neutrality of the mediator
- Confidentiality of the mediation process
- Self-determination of parties, ensuring that decisions are made voluntarily without coercion
Participants were encouraged to reflect on ethical dilemmas and the professional responsibility of mediators in real-life situations.
Upon successful completion of the 40 hours mediation training, all participating faculty members are designated as Trained Mediators, in accordance with the norms and standards approved by the MCPC, New Delhi. The programme significantly enhanced the participants’ understanding of mediation theory, practical skills, and ethical responsibilities, thereby strengthening institutional capacity for mediation and ADR. The Five-Day Mediation Training Programme conducted at Symbiosis Law School, Nagpur, proved to be a comprehensive and impactful learning experience. The blend of theoretical sessions, practical exercises, and reflective discussions ensured holistic capacity building among participants. The expertise and guidance of the trainers, combined with active participation by faculty members, contributed to the overall success of the programme. The training has laid a strong foundation for promoting mediation as an effective dispute resolution mechanism and for developing a pool of trained mediators committed to fostering amicable and sustainable dispute resolution.
