‘Mediation key to mutual agreements’

Khanvilkar said it is possible to achieve something through mediation that is not possible by means of law. “The purpose of mediation is not to resolve the dispute,but to reach a mutual agreement between the parties. It is time that the judges and lawyers start thinking about this alternative mode of disposal of case. Not only does it save the litigants’ time and money,it is also an amicable mode of settlement” he said. Khanvilkar spoke about the apprehension in lawyers fraternity that mediation will reduce their clientele. “Lawyers must make use of mediation centre as a service to society. Lawyers must be trained in mediation and they must be told the difference between counseling and mediation,” he said. Khanvilkar stressed the need of a child care centre in the Pune district family court,considering the emotional trauma they go through during their parents’ divorce.