Rourkela, Feb. 27: A temporary mediation centre was inaugurated on the premises of the civil court here to facilitate civil disputes, including marital ones.

Besides, a legal aid centre was also inaugurated inside the law college building to help needy people.

Muralidhar Pradhan, district judge-cum-chairman of the district legal service committee, inaugurated both the centres.

The mediation centre aims to reduce burden on litigants, who suffer due to protracted legal battles.

“In this mediation centre, lawyers and legal officers will counsel litigants and explore possibilities of settling a dispute out of court,” said Girish Mohapatra, a senior advocate.

The legal aid clinic that was started at the law college is expected to be of great help for downtrodden and poor people. The clinic would work like a public health centre that provides preliminary treatment. People would get first aid legal service through the clinic.

“There will be paralegal volunteers appointed at the clinic and they will extend legal help to the poor and needy people,” said Binayak Mishra, a senior advocate.

Besides, the clinic would provide an opportunity to lawyers to understand difficulties and problems faced by weaker sections of the society.

Along with the district judge, other legal officers were present on the occasion. A seminar was also organised to sensitise lawyers and law students about the objectives and its management.

The speakers spoke on domestic violence, right to inheritance for females and illegitimate child under the Hindu Succession Act, the Hindu Marriage Act, child marriage and dispute.