Thiruvananthapuram DLSA to implement four schemes for early dispute resolution

Kerala High Court judge Kauser Edappagath will perform the district-level inauguration of four initiatives of the Kerala State Legal Services Authority here on May 3.

The Samayam, Samanwaya, Harmony Hub, and the Athijeevanam schemes will be implemented by the Thiruvananthapuram District Legal Services Authority (DLSA).

Mr. Edappagath is also the chairperson of the steering committee of the Samayam scheme that is be rolled out to facilitate the referral of specific types of disputes from the police to legal service institutions such as the DLSA for pre-litigation settlement and conciliation.

The main objective of Samayam is providing early and effective intervention in disputes with the objective of achieving resolution and preventing their escalation over time. Cases where the police cannot take action but which can escalate into criminal cases can be addressed through Samayam. The scheme is expected to ensure fairness and minimise unnecessary litigation. As part of collaboration under the scheme, all police stations will inform the DLSA when such disputes arise and the DLSA, in turn, will deploy a mediator for an amicable settlement of the matter.

Samanwaya

Samanwaya is a counselling facility that will work towards reconciliation and integration among individuals and communities. Four trained counsellors will be appointed by the DLSA for providing counselling, facilitating constructive dialogue through open conversations, and mending bonds among litigants or family rapprochement. Cases could be referred to from courts, legal service institutions, or mediation centres across the State.

Harmony Hub

Harmony Hub is a scheme that seeks to provide a neutral and peaceful environment for resolving issues in relationships through dialogue and mediation. Counselling service for partners, be it in a marriage or relationship in the nature of marriage, help work out relationship issues with the help of a trained professional. Mediation is yet another service that helps couples identify concerns and clear misunderstandings in a less adversarial manner in child custody, property division, alimony, and other financial matters. It is also faster and cost-effective than formal legal proceedings. Emotional support and wellness programmes will promote mental, emotional, and psychological well-being of partners.

Athijeevanam

Athijeevanam seeks to provide free legal services to victims of mass disasters, including man-made and industrial disasters, to defend their rights and entitlements under laws and welfare schemes of the government. It will coordinate the activities of all government departments to ensure that they get full benefits of policies and schemes and the steps taken by the disaster management authorities to reduce the crisis period.