Panchkula CJM Inspects Barwala Mediation Centre, Orders Infrastructure Overhaul
In a recent inspection of the community mediation centre in Barwala, Panchkula, Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM)-cum-secretary of the district legal services authority (DLSA), Ajay Kumar Ghanghas, uncovered significant deficiencies in basic facilities. The visit highlighted a torn and damaged flex banner intended for public awareness, among other infrastructure shortcomings.
Immediate Actions and Directives Issued
During the inspection, Ghanghas directed concerned officials to replace the temporary banner with a permanent one painted directly on the wall. This measure aims to ensure durability and enhanced visibility for the centre. He expressed clear dissatisfaction with the inadequate infrastructure, emphasizing that such mediation centres must operate with dignity and responsibility to foster public confidence and trust.
Background on the Haryana Community Mediation Programme
The inspection is part of the broader Haryana Community Mediation Programme-2024, launched across the state under the directives of the chief justice of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, who also serves as the patron-in-chief of the Haryana State Legal Services Authority (HALSA). This initiative focuses on resolving disputes at the grassroots level through community participation and amicable settlements.
Under this programme, community mediators have been appointed at the panchayat level. In Panchkula district, three individuals were nominated as community mediators and received 40 hours of structured training in line with HALSA guidelines and the provisions of the Mediation Act, 2023. This act mandates the constitution of a panel of three community mediators in at least one panchayat of every district in the state.
On-Ground Presence and Functioning
During the visit, Rajinder Kumar, a trained community mediator, was present at the Barwala centre and briefed CJM Ghanghas on its operations and the training provided to mediators. This interaction underscored the practical implementation of the mediation programme and the ongoing efforts to enhance its effectiveness through proper infrastructure and public engagement.
