To deliberate on the significance of alternative legal frameworks for amicable dispute resolution and timely justice delivery, the School of Law, University of Kashmir (KU), in collaboration with the Kashmir Jurists Bar Association, organised a one-day national conference on ‘Need for Institutionalization of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) in Jammu & Kashmir.’

The day-long conference held at KU`s Gandhi Bhawan auditorium served as a platform for legal professionals, academics, scholars and students to explore how ADR can ease court burdens and make justice more accessible and efficient.

Justice N. Kotiswar Singh, Judge, Supreme Court of India who was chief guest on the occasion, highlighted the potential of ADR in reducing legal conflicts through constitutional mechanisms in his keynote address. He also stressed on the importance of public awareness and active involvement of the legal community in strengthening ADR frameworks.

“ADR is firmly rooted in our legal system. Its effectiveness lies in how actively and sincerely the legal fraternity promotes and utilizes it,” he said.

In her presidential address, Vice-Chancellor KU, Prof. Nilofer Khan, highlighted the institution’s commitment to promoting legal education and access to justice.

“This timely conference will surely benefit students, legal professionals, and other stakeholders. Our university is dedicated to promoting informed dialogue that strengthens legal awareness and supports democratic values,” she said.

Dr. Amit Vaid, Member, Bar Council of India (BCI), underscored the importance of ADR in ensuring quicker resolution of disputes, while Senior Advocate Apurba Kumar Sharma, Executive Chairman, BCI, highlighted the need to institutionalize ADR in J&K both academically and administratively.

Adish C. Aggarwala, President, International Council of Jurists, and M.S. Latif, judicial member CAT Srinagar, also spoke on the occasion and emphasised ADR’s role in strengthening the justice system.

Earlier, in his welcome address, Dean, School of Law KU, Prof. Mohammad Hussain, welcomed the guests and participants and highlighted the importance of the conference in promoting awareness and understanding of ADR in the legal landscape of Jammu & Kashmir.

The event proceedings were conducted by Dr. Iram Qureshi, faculty School of Law KU and formal vote of thanks was delivered by Advocate Altaf Ahmad, President Kashmir Jurists Bar Association.

The conference was coordinated by Dr. Yasir Latief Handoo, faculty School of Law KU and attended by legal professionals, faculty, scholars, and students of the campus.