PUNE: In a concerted effort to strengthen Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms and promote swift, amicable settlements, a comprehensive two-day orientation and training seminar for empanelled mediators concluded successfully in Pune.The high-profile program was jointly organized by the Maharashtra State Legal Services Authority, Mumbai, and the Main Mediation Monitoring Committee, Bombay High Court, in active coordination with the District Legal Services Authority, Pune. Held on July 24 and 25, 2026, at Hotel Aurora Towers on Moledina Road, the seminar witnessed an overwhelming response, drawing a total of 292 advocates eager to hone their mediation and negotiation skills.
Equipping Legal Professionals for Modern Justice
With mounting dockets across courts, the initiative was designed to equip legal practitioners with advanced psychological tools and communication strategies. The structured sessions focused on transforming adversarial mindsets into cooperative problem-solving frameworks, enabling advocates to effectively bridge gaps between opposing parties.
Sharing her perspective on the initiative, Adv. Ekta Kale noted, “Mediation is no longer just an alternative mechanism; it has become an essential pillar of modern justice delivery. This training provides advocates with the necessary technical tools to achieve sustainable, harmonious resolutions.”
Another participating advocate highlighted the practical value of the workshops, stating, “The sessions offered profound insights into human behavior during disputes, which are crucial for steering litigants away from bitter, protracted litigation.” A senior legal observer added that empowering nearly 300 advocates through structured training in Pune marks a significant milestone in making justice more accessible, cost-effective, and people-centric.
Esteemed Leadership and Guidance
The successful execution and grandeur of the two-day event were shaped by the active presence and guidance of several distinguished judicial luminaries:
- Hon’ble Shri. Arvind T. Wankhede – Principal District & Sessions Judge and Chairman, District Legal Services Authority, Pune
- Hon’ble Shri. M. Salman Azmi – Member Secretary, Maharashtra State Legal Services Authority, Mumbai, and Director/Co-ordinator, Main Mediation Centre, Bombay High Court
- Shri. Pravin A. Kumbhojkar – Deputy Registrar, Mediation, Bombay High Court
- Smt. Revati R. Deshpande – Secretary, District Legal Services Authority, Pune
The successful conclusion of the Aurora Towers training camp serves as a vital step forward in fostering a robust, mediation-driven legal culture across the region, reinforcing the judiciary’s commitment to delivering timely and peaceful remedies to litigants.
