Family dispute mediation can further harm women facing violence: SC judge Nagarathna

…allowing women to reach decisions on the return of stridhan, their children’s schooling and a lump-sum payment in place of instalments. But in cases where women are victims of violence and suppression, the judge said, “ I wish to emphasise that none of this applies where there is violence, coercive control or a serious imbalance of power. There, mediation is not merely inappropriate but could potentially be harmful or dangerous, and may result in further traumatisation. ” Justice Nagarathna, who is tipped to become the Chief Justice of India (CJI) in September next year, said, “Mediation is not meant to be substituted for adjudication and a woman’s bargaining position is worth…