Shuklaphanta judicial committee resolves majority of disputes through mediation

Kanchanpur: The Judicial Committee of Shuklaphanta Municipality in Kanchanpur has been effectively resolving disputes through mediation.

In the current fiscal year, out of 15 disputes registered, 11 have already been resolved through mediation, with four cases still pending. During the fiscal year 2080/81, 33 disputes were filed, of which 31 were successfully settled through mediation. Similarly, in the fiscal year 2079/80, 27 out of 29 disputes were resolved using the same method.

Kalpana Pant, Deputy Mayor and Coordinator of the Judicial Committee, shared that most of the disputes involve issues related to land, boundaries, roads, assault, gender-based violence, domestic violence, wage and salary matters, food denial, and verbal abuse. “Mediation is the best way to resolve disputes,” said Pant. “We play an impartial and neutral role to help both parties reach a mutually acceptable agreement.”

Pant emphasized that the committee works to create win-win outcomes by bringing both parties together. “We allow each side to present their views, conduct individual and group discussions as needed, and guide them through the mediation process with the help of trained mediators,” she added.

The municipality has appointed mediators at the ward level, and disputes are escalated to the Judicial Committee only if they cannot be resolved at the ward level. To strengthen this mechanism, the municipality provides annual refresher training for its listed mediators.

As per Article 217 of the Constitution, the Judicial Committee is composed of three members and is coordinated by the deputy mayor. The Local Government Operation Act 2074 grants the committee the authority to mediate and resolve disputes within its jurisdiction. A dedicated bench has also been established in the municipality for hearing such cases.