Kathmandu:Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, Sobita Gautam, has indicated the government’s openness to seeking alternatives if consensus cannot be reached on a proposal to assign judges as mediators.
According to National News Agency Nepal, Minister Gautam made these remarks during a discussion with stakeholders on the Mediation (Second Amendment) Bill, 2083. The meeting was organized by the Law, Justice and Human Rights Committee of the federal parliament. She emphasized the government’s aim to make mediation more effective and accessible to the public.
The proposed bill suggests that at least one judge be given the role of a mediator in courts with five or more judges. Minister Gautam believes this would increase disputants’ trust in the mediation process and enhance the judiciary’s credibility. She also mentioned the possibility of holding further discussions if stakeholders express differing opinions on judges serving as mediators.
Additionally, Minister Gautam highlighted the importance of incorporating practical experiences and the complexities faced by grassroots workers into lawmaking. She criticized policy-making behind closed doors as it often leads to practical challenges. She also noted the significance of mediation in disputes involving family or social relationships, emphasizing its role in reducing financial burdens, saving time, and ensuring easy access to justice.