Private dispute resolution centre opens in Belagavi

Belagavi: Senior lawyer Sunil Sanikop has opened a private dispute resolution centre - ‘Nyayavemba Belaku’ (Light of Justice) in Belagavi. Similar centres are already working in many metropolitan cities. Such centres help courts by reducing their burden as they work as an alternative dispute resolving entity.
“In ancient times, people used to approach their village elders at the panchayat and settle their disputes amicably. Today, as people wish to go to court for each and everything, cases are often increasing and pending in courts for several years. As per statistics before the Covid-19 situation, there were 3.5 crore cases pending across the country. Now approximately 4.5 crore cases are pending. Hence people are preferring to resolve their cases through alternative methods of dispute resolution,” said Sanikop.
The centre facilitates setlement of disputes outside the court and within the framework of law through mediation and negotiation. Since crime is treated as an offense against the society, criminal cases cannot be resolved through these methods, he said.
Mustafa Hussaina Syed Aziz, Principal District Judge of Belagavi, was the chief guest of the inauguration. He said, “In developed countries like America, private settlement institutions are more influential than traditional law courts, and most disputes are settled out of court through these centres. In our country, these alternative methods are gaining popularity,” he said. Retired high court judge Aravind S Pacchapure said, “A law was made in our country 30 years ago for adopting ADR methods for dispute resolution, but due to lack of understanding among people, these methods did not come to light.”