This was followed by an open house interaction between the panelists and the participants. The participants discussed many practical problems faced by them while conducting mediation in their localities. Solutions were suggested by the panelists. The Panelists also answered all the legal queries raised in the session. Mr. Rajesh Bahuguna, Principal Law College Dehradun moderated the session. Mr. Jithendra Joshy, Chairman, Dehradun Law College proposed vote of thanks. The session concluded with lunch.

Plenary session was inaugurated by Hon’ble Mr. Justice A.R.Lakshmanan, Chairman, Law Commission of India. In his inaugural address, (Complete speech as per link) Dr. Lakshmanan stressed the importance of alternative dispute resolution mechanism like mediation and conciliation in diffusing tensions in the social fabric and thus promoting harmony among neighbourhoods. In India, the panchayat justice system in which respected village elder(s) assists in resolving community disputes, has long been an accepted method of conflict resolution. Since, the Vedic times, India has been heralded as a pioneer in the achievement of social goal of speedy and effective justice through informal but culminating dispute resolution systems. He said project Soharthm, initiated by LAF will help a long way in improving the efficiency of the justice delivery system of the country by reducing litigations and decreasing the docket back log.

Hon’ble Mr. Justice B.K.Sharma, Judge, Gauhati High Court, also addressed the gathering and thanked LAF for giving an opportunity to share his views. He called upon the panchayat members to exercise their goodwill in the village for conciliation and mediation of disputes so that these cases need not come to regular courts and are settled at the initial level itself. Project Soharthm is a welcome step to reduce the congestion of cases in courts and to promote social harmony.

Mr. Jithendra Joshi, Chairman, Dehradun Law College and Mr. G.P.Sharma, M.D., Dehradun Law College also shared their views.

Mr. K.S.Bhatti, Treasurer, LAF, summed up discussions of both sessions of the workshop in his concluding remarks. Mr. Rajesh Bahuguna, Principal Dehradun Law College, proposed vote of thanks. The workshop was concluded by High Tea.