Delhi HC celebrates the success of Family Courts Mediation Drive, reports disposal rate of 75.27%

The Delhi High Court on Monday celebrated the success of the Family Courts Mediation Drive which was held in 21 Family Courts in the city between December 2-7..Speaking at the event, High Court Chief Justice, Justice DN Patel informed the audience that out of the 2,884 cases referred to mediation by the Family Courts, 2,171 cases were successfully disposed of which resulted in the disposal rate of 75.27%..“This is the highest disposal rate in the country as far as mediation trial is concerned..”, Justice Patel said..Justice Patel also informed that the Family Courts in the city have witnessed a disposal rate of 89.46% with the disposal of 31,155 cases out of 34,818 until September 30..The celebration was accompanied by a painting exhibition and competition on the theme “Family: Canvas of Love” which witnessed the participation of students from 17 schools..Supreme Court Judge, Justice Indira Banerjee graced the celebration as its Chief Guest..Justice Banerjee spoke at length on the importance of family and love and expressed her concern at the alarming rate of the institution of cases before Family Courts. Stressing on the presence of emotions and ego in family disputes, Justice Banerjee exclaimed,.“This is where the role of Family Court Judges and mediators is very important.. It requires counselling.”.She revealed that judges, particularly, in Tamil Nadu, complained that they had been pushed to Family Courts and that it was not an important position. Stressing upon the importance of Family Court, Justice Banerjee remarked that presiding over a Family Court required skills and the fate of the country rested on it..Justice Banerjee also spoke on the Family Court Act’s preference of having women Judges at Family Courts and stated that at a personal level, she felt that the gender of the Judge was irrelevant..It is the ideas and the inclination of the Judge that is important, she said..Lastly, she also urged the lawyers to control their “passion for winning” a case in Family matters and focus on the larger picture..She also stated that a Family Court Judge must exercise his/her discretion while granting an adjournment as it might allow the parties to arrive at a settlement..The mediation drive was guided by the Family Courts Committee of the High Court which functions under the aegis of Justice Hima Kohli.