Srinagar, 10 April (Gulistan News TV) : The School of Law, University of Kashmir in collaboration with
The Kashmir Jurists Bar Association (KJBA) organized a groundbreaking conference on the “Need for Institutionalization of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) in Jammu & Kashmir.” The event brought together legal luminaries and experts to discuss the potential of ADR in ensuring swift and amicable resolution of disputes in the region.

Justice N. Kotiswar Singh, Judge of the Supreme Court of India, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. Among the esteemed Guests of Honour were Manan Kumar Sharma, Senior Advocate, Chairman Bar Council of India and Member of Parliament; Apurba Kumar Sharma, Senior Advocate, Executive Chairman Bar Council of India; Dr. Amit Vaid, Senior Advocate and Member Bar Council of India and Dr. Adish C. Aggarwala, Senior Advocate and President of the International Council of Jurists.

The conference saw active participation from judges, prominent advocates, law students and faculty members. Discussions highlighted the growing importance of ADR as a means to decongest the judiciary and resolve disputes efficiently.

In his keynote address, Justice N. Kotiswar Singh stressed the cultural richness of Kashmir, referring to its history as a land of Sufism and peaceful coexistence. He highlighted the urgency of institutionalizing ADR to address the backlog of court cases, stressing the need for community mediation and collaborative efforts by legal professionals.

Dr. Amit Vaid applauded the University of Kashmir for prioritizing ADR in its academic discourse, urging students to focus on this mechanism, which he described as the future of dispute resolution.

Dr. Adish C. Aggarwala reflected on the evolving legal landscape in Kashmir, commending the improved conditions for lawyers and the government’s initiatives to facilitate better infrastructure for the legal community.

Manan Kumar Sharma underlined the necessity of ADR in Jammu & Kashmir, particularly given the unique challenges faced by the region.

Vice-Chancellor of the University of Kashmir, Prof. Neelofar Khan, expressed pride in hosting such a prestigious event, calling it a milestone for the institution. She proposed the establishment of a dedicated ADR center at the university to benefit students, academics, and society.

The conference concluded with a call for greater interaction between students, young lawyers and senior members of the Bar Council of India to foster a culture of ADR and address the pressing issue of pending court cases in the country, especially in Jammu & Kashmir.
(Gulistan News TV)