Known commonly as Nangkha Nadrik the Bhutan National Legal Institute, BNLI, is conducting training on Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) for some 65 Mangmis in Punakha. The Mangmis are from seven north-western Dzongkhags. The training will help people resolve disputes,mostly civil in nature, without having to go to the courts.
The training would enable to take justice closer to the door steps of the people at the grassroots level. It is also aimed to provide the local leaders with basic knowledge and skills facilitating disputes settlement.
Addressing the trainees, the President of the Bhutan National Legal Institute, Royal Law Project, Her Royal Highness Princess, Sonam Dechan Wangchuck, said Nangkha Nadrik has been practiced in the country for so many years. However, she added such practice now seems to be deteriorating as most of the monetary and matrimonial cases, which could be settled amicably, are now brought to courts.
The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, Lyonpo Sonam Tobgye, said the ADR will be of tremendous help not only for the people but also judiciary. “Number one; they come from the community. Two; they will be in the community and not outside. Three; they will be able to explain to the people for going to the court one has to loose and other has to win, it is a Bhutanese concept and of not having a winner and loser.”
He added that it was in keeping with the tradition and Bhutanese culture and spiritual heritage that harmony in the society could be maintained by’ Barmi’ who were stationed there- who were elected by them.
The Mangmis of all the 20 Dzongkhags will be trained. For the southern region the training will conducted in Gelephu, for eastern Dzongkhags the training will be conducted in Samdru Jongkhar.
