Manipur State Legal Services Authority (MASLSA) under the aegis of National Legal Services Authority organised the state’s first E/online pre-litigation mediation at the office of MASLSA, ADR Centre, Lamphelpat, Imphal West, Manipur on Saturday.
Co-ordinator, Mediation Centre, member secretary, MASLSA Ojesh Mutum conducted the said online pre-litigation mediation through Jitsi Meet Platform, MASLSA stated in a release signed by deputy member secretary Sorokhaibam Sadananda.
A case regarding a matrimonial dispute was put up during the online pre-litigation mediation, it stated. After the matter was thoroughly discussed with the parties, the next date of sitting was fixed for further discussion, it added.
The release stated that the online pre-litigation mediation was organised with the aim to generate awareness to the public regarding this new approach to settle disputes through online mechanism and other electronic means. The concept of online pre-litigation mediation has been necessitated due to various restrictions in the normal functioning of all the institutions in the country due to the second wave of COVID-19 pandemic, it added.
Any legal aid seeker can reach out for free legal aid and assistance to helplines of MASLSA at +91-9436239666, Imphal West at +91-6009904967, Imphal East at+91-6009904974, Chandel at +91-6009904966, Churachandpur at +91-6009904970, Thoubal at +91-6009904965, Bishnupur at +91-6009904968, Senapati at +91-6009904969, Ukhrul at +91-6009904972, it mentioned.
It further stated that Covid cases are surging across the country, and restrictions on movement have been placed at many places to contain the rapid surge. In the said scenario, Legal Services Authorities across the country have started appropriately responding to the legal needs of people by optimising effective and innovative use of digital as well as electronic media and other platforms, it added.