JAMMU: Under the patronage of Chief Justice, High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh (Patron-in-Chief, J&K Judicial Academy), Arun Palli and guidance of Chairperson and Members of Governing Committee for J&K Judicial Academy, the Jammu & Kashmir Judicial Academy organized a one day Integrated Workshop (A-059/25) on “Court Management, Mediation and Legal, Social & Psychological Dimensions of Dowry-Related Offences” for Judicial Officers of Jammu Province today at its Jammu campus.
The programme commenced with registration, followed by an introduction and welcome address by Naseer Ahmad Dar, Director, J&K Judicial Academy. He underscored the importance of judicial leadership, effective court administration and sensitivity while dealing with socially complex offences.
The first session on Judicial Leadership & Court Management was delivered by Pawan Dev Kotwal, Former District & Sessions Judge, High Court of J&K. It focused on the role of a Judge as an institutional leader, court and case management principles, control of docket flow, time management techniques and best practices including the use of technology to enhance efficiency in the justice delivery system.
The second session on Role of Judges in Mediation & Drafting of Referral/Settlement Orders was conducted by M.S. Parihar, Former District & Sessions Judge, High Court of J&K. He elaborated on the statutory framework under Section 89 CPC and relevant rules, identification of cases fit for mediation, stage and manner of referral, components and ethics of mediation, drafting of effective referral and settlement orders and practical challenges faced in mediation proceedings.
The third session addressed the Legal, Social and Psychological Dimensions of Dowry-Related Crimes, in light of the recent Supreme Court Judgment dated 15.12.2025 in State of U.P. v. Ajmal Beg & Ors.
The session was conducted by Kamlesh Pandita, Former District & Sessions Judge, High Court of J&K and Ladakh, along with Sumedha Sharma, Clinical Psychologist Associate. The deliberations covered relevant legal provisions and recent judicial directions, the social context and concerns of misuse, psychological impact on victims and families, judicial sensitivity in appreciation of evidence and the need to ensure a fair trial while preventing abuse of process.
The workshop witnessed active participation and interaction from the Judicial Officers, followed by a feedback session.