First 40-Hour Mediation Training by Madhya Pradesh Legal Services Authority

CNN Central News & Network–ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Bhopal: The Madhya Pradesh State Legal Services Authority has taken an important step toward ensuring inclusive access to justice by launching India’s first in-person 40-hour mediation training program for hearing-impaired professionals and sign language interpreters. This intensive five-day training program is being organized in Indore in collaboration with the District Legal Services Authority and under the aegis of the Supreme Court Mediation and Conciliation Project Committee (MCPC), New Delhi.

The initiative is led by Justice Sanjeev Sachdeva, Chief Justice of the Madhya Pradesh High Court and Patron-in-Chief of the Madhya Pradesh State Legal Services Authority, with guidance from Justice Vivek Rusia, Administrative Judge and Executive Chairman. The program was inaugurated by Justice Vijay Kumar Shukla, Chairman of the High Court Legal Services Committee, Indore.

During the inauguration, Justice Vijay Kumar Shukla stated that mediation is one of the most humane methods of justice, where sustainable solutions are achieved through dialogue and mutual understanding rather than confrontation.

Member Secretary Suman Shrivastava highlighted the importance of understanding, empathy, and communication in mediation, noting that the training program will equip hearing-impaired participants with the knowledge and practical skills needed for amicable dispute resolution.

The training is being conducted by experienced trainers Anuja Saxena and Reema Bhandari. Participants are being trained in the philosophy of mediation, communication techniques, negotiation skills, dispute analysis, mediator ethics, and practical exercises. Special emphasis is being placed on active listening, non-verbal communication, structured dialogue, caucus techniques, and consensus-based solutions.

Participants are also being introduced to the legal framework of mediation in India, including Section 89 of the Civil Procedure Code and the professional standards for mediators.

The initiative has received significant support from Anand Service Society. On this occasion, Principal Registrar Anup Kumar Tripathi, Secretary Shivraj Singh Gawli, Deputy Secretary Aniruddha Jain, and District Legal Aid Officer Deepak Sharma, along with other senior officials, were present.

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