Surat: A 10-member mediation panel set up by the Samast Patidar Samaj Trust (SPST) will begin functioning from Oct 11, the first day of Navratri, to help families and community members resolve disputes before they reach the courts.The committee, called Samadhan Panch, has been formed to address disagreements within families and among relatives through mediation. The trust said the initiative is intended to reduce the financial and emotional strain associated with prolonged court cases.“In many disputes between families and relatives, the issue reaches courts and results in a waste of money and time. It leaves both parties suffering due to the prolonged tussle,” said Jagdish Khunt, chairperson of the committee.According to SPST, marital disputes and property-related conflicts are among the matters expected to come before the panel. Khunt said the committee will focus on reaching amicable settlements, especially in marriage-related cases.“In marital disputes, if the issue ends with divorce, it affects many lives, especially children. To prevent such a situation and for a healthy society, we will work to find a solution to the disputes,” he said.The committee will operate from the SPST office in Katargam and will hear cases every Monday. Those seeking intervention will have to submit their grievances in writing through a prescribed application form.SPST president Velji Sheta said the initiative forms part of the trust’s wider welfare activities.“It is one of many initiatives of SPST and it will help the community. The committee has members from different parts of the state so that they can understand the issues better,” Sheta said.Trust officials said the panel’s structure and weekly hearings are designed to provide an accessible platform for mediation, encourage dialogue and help families settle disputes without lengthy court proceedings.
