Mediatory system to reduce pressure on judiciary

The system is old and it is more useful now to reduce the pressure on our judicial system. Referring to the five lakh civil suits pending with courts, the minister said, "We should take immediate steps to bring down the number".

The Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) in civil justice delivery system has been introduced to make the judicial department more effective.

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The minister was speaking as chief guest at the inaugural function of a division-level training workshop on 'Mediation techniques: Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) in the Civil Justice Delivery System in Bangladesh', held at a city hotel on Thursday.

Organized by the Legal and Judicial Capacity Building Project, the function was chaired by District and Sessions Judge Mohammad Ismail Miah. Former Chief Justice Mostafa Kamal and Justice Anwarul Haque of the High Court spoke as special guests.

Project Director of the Legal and Judicial Capacity Building Project, Fazlur Rahman, gave the welcome address.

Speaking about the government measures, the minister said, special courts have achieved good results. Speedy trail tribunals have disposed of 2000 cases in 14 months.

The minister also said that, the second amendment to the Civil Procedure Code have already been passed by parliament. It is already a law.

Dispute resolution through mediation, which was started in family courts earlier, would now work in Artha Rin Adalot and in civil courts. Initially, it would be done in limited cases, he said.

Moudud said the existing judicial system can not ensure justice for the poor. Mmong the people in jails, two-thirds are hajatis. "There are 176 people, who were never produced before courts due to their poverty and loopholes in our system".

Funds has been given with district judges to provide legal aid to the needy.

Former Chief Justice Mostafa Kamal said success of the ADR will depend on our sincerity.

District judges, in consultation with the Bar president, will select the panel of mediators. The process was introduced in family courts four years ago, and it will now be extended to non- family courts, he said.

People would be highly benefited if the venture succeeds. There will be a monitoring arrangement, he added.