Legal conclave in Surat: Alternate Dispute Resolution crucial for justice, says Gujarat HC Chief Justice

He highlighted the economic costs of pending cases, noting that over 1,70,000 cases are currently pending in the Gujarat High Court, with more than 50,000 of those cases in family courts alone. “Every delay affects families, businesses and the entire society. A strong economy depends on a legal system where disputes are resolved fairly and efficiently,” he added.

During the event, Chief Justice Sunita Agarwal said, “The Gujarat High Court utilises Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) to bring justice to the people, rather than requiring them to come to court. While people have faith in the court, delays can lead to disappointment. As a hub for significant domestic and foreign investment, Gujarat’s commercial courts play a crucial role in instilling investor confidence by ensuring legal protection for capital and contractual rights”.

The commercial disputes can also be resolved quickly, saving both time and cost for industrialists, she said. The presence of commercial courts in Gujarat’s business hubs such as Surat, Ahmedabad, Vadodara and Rajkot provides a strong base for local as well as international business, she added. “The rate of settlement of cases through arbitration in Gujarat is 55%. In small cases, if internal dialogue does not resolve the issue, citizens can get justice through mediators instead of coming to the court. After providing training as mediators to 96 advocates in the state, they are working to provide mediation services in various areas of the state and ensure that people get justice in a timely manner. For people of Gujarat, two things are most important in life— first, family and second, business,” added the Chief Justice.

Meanwhile, Gujarat High Court Justice Pranab Trivedi said, “ADR is an easy way to get justice without having to fight a long battle in court. In business, if justice is not done for years in any dispute, then there is loss. Therefore, if the business community supports ADR, then the justice process will definitely be faster.”

Justice DN Rai said, “In 2001, about two crore cases were pending in the district courts in the country. Currently, about 4 crore 72 lakh cases are pending. ADR can play an important role in bringing about speedy resolution of these cases.”

Surat city Advocate Association president Brijesh Patel told The Indian Express, “We have made a representation to the Chief Justice Sunita Agarwal about the land issue regarding the Surat district court complex. We requested that the government land of 35000 square meters, neighbouring the existing Surat court complex, will be sufficient for the new court complex. We have got a positive response from the Chief Justice. As of now, the Surat district court complex is spread over 12500 square meters, which is not sufficient. If we get neighbouring 35000 square meter land…it would be good.”

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