Maadhyam organised a discussion on ‘ Conflict of Law Perspectives and Challenges” on 7th January 2017.

Speakers : Prof. Hiram E. Chodosh, President, Claremont McKenne College, USA Dr. C. Raja Mohan, Director of Carnegie India

Dr. MeenakshiGopinath, former principal of Lady Shriram College,  Director WISCOMP (a pioneer in initiating the discourse on women, peace, and security in South Asia) Dr. Achal Bhagat, Senior consultant psychiatrist and psychotherapist Hon’ble Mr. Justice B.S. Chauhan, former judge of the Supreme Court of India

Prof. Hiram E. Chodosh, President, Claremont McKenne College, USA, highlighted the importance of understanding the nature and negative consequences of conflict, relationship between conflict and law and identifying the real nature of conflict – whether it is conflict of laws, conflict about the laws or conflict within the laws.   

Dr. C. Raja Mohan, who is an expert in international relations and presently director of Carnegie India, said that so as to reduce the political tension of India both internal and external, the country must commit itself to non-violence, balance power and principles and move its position from rule objector to rule maker.

Dr. MeenakshiGopinath, the celebrated former principal of Lady Shriram College, New Delhi, underscored the need to understand and remedy violation of human rights in situations of conflicts of all nature and levels.  She also mentioned how India can contribute to the comity of nations as a soft power. 

Dr. Achal Bhagat, a renowned senior consultant psychiatrist and psychotherapist in Delhi, explained the concept of trust and conflict and its psychological implications and pragmatic resolutions.  He dealt with the psychology of conflict in a person from childhood to adulthood and its social relevance in our day to day life.

Hon’ble Mr. Justice B.S. Chauhan, a former judge of the Supreme Court and currently heading the Law Commission of India, said that Article 44 (Uniform civil code for the citizens – the State shall endeavor to secure for the citizens a uniform civil code throughout the territory of India) should not be done in one attempt, but step by step and that the code, once brought into being, will not only be beneficial to the minority, but to all.

Hon’ble Mr. Justice A.K. Sikri, Judge, Supreme Court of India, stated that through adjudication the results do not always lead to perfect justice.  Mere application of law without considering the situational needs and circumstantial factors would not result in rendering justice.  He highlighted that the judiciary is making innovative approaches to confront such situations.  He has also stressed that parties should constantly endeavor to resolve the issues and not leave it to lawyers and court. 

aMr. A.S. Chandhiok, President of Maadhyam, in his concluding remarks highlighted the objects of Maadhyam.  He said conflicts of various kinds are on the increase, from primary school levels to international levels, with varying gravity and alarm.  When desire for material gains and hunger for power increase, conflicts are bound to take shape in various forms in all walks of life.  Maadhyam with its presence now registered, will attempt to do conflict resolution through non-adversarial alternatives and popularize it from grass root level.