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Department:
Information & Public Relations Department
Title: One-Day Seminar on Mediation Held at High Court of Meghalaya in Shillong
Press Release Number:
16/03/2026
Description:
Addressing the gathering, Hon'ble Chief Justice of the Meghalaya High Court, Mrs Justice Revati Mohite Dere, underscored the importance of mediation as a constructive and effective means of resolving conflicts in today’s fast-paced world. She observed that disputes commonly arise in workplaces, families, and communities, and mediation provides a platform that encourages dialogue, understanding, and empathy.
Justice Dere stated that mediation empowers disputing parties to develop mutually beneficial solutions rather than relying solely on the adversarial system of litigation. She explained that mediation promotes constructive communication and helps restore relationships between parties. Compared with traditional litigation, mediation is faster, less confrontational, flexible, confidential, and cost-effective. She also noted that court proceedings often involve high costs, prolonged delays, emotional strain and others.
The Chief Justice stressed that mediators must exercise patience, neutrality, and effective communication skills to facilitate consensus. “The objective of a mediator should always be to build bridges and not walls,” she remarked.
Highlighting Meghalaya’s social fabric, Justice Dere said traditional dispute resolution mechanisms already exist within communities such as the Khasi, Jaintia, and Garo, where family elders and respected clan members often intervene to settle disputes related to marriage, inheritance, and family responsibilities.
At the village level, institutions such as the Dorbar Shnong in the Khasi and Jaintia Hills frequently mediate minor civil disputes, including land boundary issues and neighbourhood conflicts, through dialogue and consensus. In the Garo Hills, the village head known as the Nokma plays a key role in resolving disputes and safeguarding clan land and community interests.
She also referred to higher customary governance institutions such as the Dorbar Raid and Dorbar Hima, which function as forums for dispute resolution when issues cannot be settled at the village level, emphasising reconciliation and community harmony.
She added that the Meghalaya State Legal Services Authority is implementing the project “Increasing Access to Justice through Community Mediation,” funded by the Department of Justice, to enhance grassroots dispute resolution. The initiative includes training and sensitisation programmes for headmen, Nokmas, and community leaders in mediation techniques, legal literacy, and customary laws
Justice Dere stated that mediation empowers disputing parties to develop mutually beneficial solutions rather than relying solely on the adversarial system of litigation. She explained that mediation promotes constructive communication and helps restore relationships between parties. Compared with traditional litigation, mediation is faster, less confrontational, flexible, confidential, and cost-effective. She also noted that court proceedings often involve high costs, prolonged delays, emotional strain and others.
The Chief Justice stressed that mediators must exercise patience, neutrality, and effective communication skills to facilitate consensus. “The objective of a mediator should always be to build bridges and not walls,” she remarked.
Highlighting Meghalaya’s social fabric, Justice Dere said traditional dispute resolution mechanisms already exist within communities such as the Khasi, Jaintia, and Garo, where family elders and respected clan members often intervene to settle disputes related to marriage, inheritance, and family responsibilities.
At the village level, institutions such as the Dorbar Shnong in the Khasi and Jaintia Hills frequently mediate minor civil disputes, including land boundary issues and neighbourhood conflicts, through dialogue and consensus. In the Garo Hills, the village head known as the Nokma plays a key role in resolving disputes and safeguarding clan land and community interests.
She also referred to higher customary governance institutions such as the Dorbar Raid and Dorbar Hima, which function as forums for dispute resolution when issues cannot be settled at the village level, emphasising reconciliation and community harmony.
She added that the Meghalaya State Legal Services Authority is implementing the project “Increasing Access to Justice through Community Mediation,” funded by the Department of Justice, to enhance grassroots dispute resolution. The initiative includes training and sensitisation programmes for headmen, Nokmas, and community leaders in mediation techniques, legal literacy, and customary laws
Released Date:
16 Mar 2026
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