The high court division of the supreme court has issued a landmark directive paving the way for the official launch of alternative dispute resolution (adr):he High Court Division of the Supreme Court has issued a landmark directive paving the way for the official launch of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), specifically mediation services, at the Supreme Court Legal Aid Office. This strategic move, approved by the Chief Justice, is designed to facilitate the resolution of disputes at the primary stage, offering litigants a faster and more efficient alternative to traditional litigation.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the initiative was formalised through a notification issued by the Administration Branch of the High Court Division. The directive, dated August 9, 2023, conveys the formal permission of the Chief Justice to conduct mediation proceedings within the legal aid framework. Signed by High Court Division Deputy Registrar (Administration and Judicial) Md Al-Imran Khan, the notification marks a significant shift in the administrative handling of legal aid cases.
Under the new directive, mediation services at the Supreme Court Legal Aid Office are authorised for specific legal matters. The Supreme Court has identified several key acts and sections where ADR can be applied to settle disputes effectively at the primary stage. The concerned sections and the acts include Section 5 of the Family Courts Act, 2023, Section 5 of the Parents Maintenance Act, 2013, Sections 3 and 4 of the Dowry Prohibition Act, 2018, Section 11(Ga) of the Women and Children Repression Prevention Act, 2000, and various sections of The Penal Code, The Specific Relief Act, 1877, and The Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881.