Marital disputes: Family counsellors resolve 59 cases in Hyderabad

Hyderabad: The All India Milli Council (AIMC) Telangana Chapters have successfully resolved 59 family dispute cases through their Mohalla Family Counselling Centres in Hyderabad.

Since their establishment in 2022, these centres have played a crucial role in mediating and resolving conflicts within minority communities, particularly among Muslims.

Out of the 59 cases resolved, 47 were reconciliations where couples were able to resolve their differences and continue their marriages. In eight cases, the parties mutually agreed to separate, and 12 cases remain ongoing.

Rising Marital Disputes in Minority Communities

The AIMC, a national organization with 33 years of service to the nation and the community, observed a significant increase in cases of divorce, marital discord, neglect, and abandonment among women and children within minority communities. These issues have not only caused distress within families but have also added to the burden of the already overburdened courts, a concern echoed by the Government of Telangana.

To address this growing problem, AIMC Telangana Chapters took the initiative in 2022 to establish six Mohalla Family Counselling Centres across Hyderabad in locations such as Shaheen Nagar, Bandlaguda, Rajendra Nagar, Secunderabad, Toli Chowki, Musheerabad, and Riyasat Nagar.

Focus on Counselling and Mediation

The primary objectives of the Family Counselling Centres have been twofold: first, to train family counsellors in key areas, and second, to mediate and resolve family disputes through counselling, mediation, and arbitration.

An average of 18 counsellors have been engaged at these centres, receiving rigorous training over one year in subjects such as personal laws, counselling techniques, family law in India, the Dowry Prohibition Act, the Domestic Violence Act, Section 125 of the CrPC, and basics of clinical psychology. Additionally, a workshop was held to enhance the counsellors' personalities and develop their skills in handling sensitive family matters.

A Court-Endorsed Approach

Indian courts have repeatedly emphasized the importance of resolving family disputes outside the courtroom through counselling, mediation, and arbitration. Recognizing this, AIMC has actively worked in this direction over the past two years.

“We have started this initiative solely because we want people to utilize it to the best of their ability. We want to avoid court and police cases as much as possible because most conflicts can be solved with counselling,” said Omar Aabedeen, Secretary of All India Milli Council, Telangana.

“Mediation and arbitration is very important, which is recognized by AIMC. We are now taking it to areas where families are marginalized and need this assistance more than ever. Our aim is to avoid long litigation time and huge expenditure. We want the people to understand this and come forward to settle conflicts amicably,” said Advocate Afsar Jahan of the High Court for the State of Telangana.

Additionally, Milli Counsellor Hafsa Abedeen remarked, “Our goal is to create an environment where families feel supported and guided. The work we do is not just about resolving disputes, but about healing relationships and restoring peace within the community.”

Invitation to Certification Program

In recognition of the efforts of the family counsellors and the success of the Mohalla Family Counselling Centres, AIMC Telangana Chapters organised a certification program. The event celebrated the successful completion of two years of the centres' operation and acknowledged the contribution of counsellors who have played a pivotal role in resolving numerous family disputes.

With inputs from Kaniza Garari