In a compelling address at the Press Institute of India (PII) in Taramani, former judge of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, K. Kannan, advocated for the empowerment of people and stakeholders through mediation and dialogue, rather than resorting to the courts for every dispute.
Highlighting the significance of alternative dispute resolution, Mr. Kannan criticized the prevalent tendency to seek judicial intervention without first attempting to resolve conflicts through discussion. He underscored that true power lies in the hands of the people and stakeholders, who should be encouraged to engage in constructive dialogue.
"But what mattered was 'power to people, power to stakeholders,'" Kannan asserted, emphasizing the critical role of mediation in dispute resolution. He urged the gathering to consider mediation as a viable first step before turning to litigation, which can often be time-consuming and costly.
Kannan's remarks come at a time when the judicial system is often overwhelmed with cases that could potentially be resolved outside the courtroom. By promoting dialogue and mediation, he believes that disputes can be settled more amicably and efficiently, benefiting all parties involved.
The former judge's call to action is a reminder of the importance of exploring all avenues of conflict resolution. His advocacy for mediation aligns with a growing recognition of the need for more accessible and less adversarial means of addressing disputes in society.