Kohima: Gauhati High Court Judge Yarenjungla Longkumer challenged local jurists to change how they view the courtroom. She spoke at a mediation training program for referral judges on October 24 at Hotel Japfu in Kohima. The Nagaland State Legal Services Authority organized the event under the Supreme Court of India's Mediation and Conciliation Project Committee.
Justice Longkumer framed the practice as a primary legal pillar. She stated mediation should be viewed "not merely as an alternative to litigation but as an essential component of a modern, responsive and humane justice delivery system." The session included 26 referral judges from across Nagaland. Former Delhi High Court Judge Dharmesh Sharma and retired judicial officer Arun Kumar Arya led the training.
Success requires judicial wisdom. Judges must screen for family disputes, commercial conflicts, and landlord issues while watching for power imbalances. Longkumer warned that coercion or domestic violence cases demand caution. She reminded attendees that early referrals prevent escalation. The goal is fairness, not just clearing dockets.
Neiko Akami, the NSLSA Member Secretary, noted the state has already settled over 1,000 cases this year through special drives and three National Lok Adalats. Principal District and Sessions Judge Mezivolu T Therieh chaired the inaugural meeting. Training modules covered the role of referral judges and the nuances of Alternative Dispute Resolution.
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