Everybody must believe in culture of settlement: CJI
MUMBAI: Everybody must believe in the "culture of settlement" which was advocated even by Mahatma Gandhi, Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra on Saturday said after inaugurating the Alternate Dispute Resolution Centre here.
"Great leaders like Mahatma Gandhi and Abraham Lincoln, who were lawyers first, advocated and supported the culture of settlement. They advised people to settle instead of litigating. Everybody must believe in the culture of settlement," CJI Misra said in the Bombay High Court.
The CJI along with Bombay High Court Chief Justice Manjula Chellur and Maha- rashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis inaugurated the ADR centre and a creche for lawyers and staff of High Court at the adjacent CTO building in south Mumbai.
"Arbitration has to be cost effective, speedy and impartial. There must be absolute disclosure as mandated in law. The arbitrator or the mediator should show good attitude, sincerity and great respect for the parties concerned," CJI Misra said.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Fadnavis while lauding the ADR centre establishment said, "Our courts are grappling with an increasing number of cases and litigations which is resulting in people getting delayed justice.
"The ADR centre will benefit common people. While getting justice is not just a constitutional right but also a fundamental right of the citizens, getting the same on time is equally important.
"The state government assures all logistical support to ensure that the centre remains robust," he said.
The chief minister said the government in consultation with Chief Justice Chellur has finalised a plot in suburban Mumbai for the construction of a new high court building.
Chief Justice Chellur said ADR has achieved phenomenal success in foreign countries and is the best solution to prolonged legal battles.
"ADR is less costly, expeditious and the process is flexible. The centre can address not just civil matters but also criminal matters," she said.