Do not refer offence against society to mediation: SC judge

A supreme court Judge today cautioned judicial officers against sending cases relating to offences against society through the alternative disputes redressal mechanism of 'mediation' as they could be detrimental to social interest.

"Cases of offences against the society must not be referred to the mediation by the judges. They (judges) should understand the mediation process and work for its success as mandated by the legislature," Justice RV Raveendran said.

Justice Raveendran, inaugurating a Mediation Centre at Rohini District Courts complex here, said the cases, whose amicable settlement through mediation could adversely impact social interest, should not be referred to it.

Citing examples such as land encroachment cases, which should not be referred to such centres, he said the judicial officers should be aware of the law on the issue. He, however, hailed mediation, saying it was an effective mechanism which could lessen the burden on the judiciary.

"Alternative Disputes Redressal (ADR) mechanism is the need of the hour to resolve the disputes if there has been an excessive stress on judiciary," he said.

Chief justice of Delhi High Court AP Shah, who also graced the occasion with other high court judges and lower judicial officers, said more such centres would be started soon.