Venkat Raman
Auckland, April 8, 2017
Auckland-based Barrister and Solicitor Matilda Castelino was presented with the “National Law Day Award 2017’ at the Annual Conference of International Council of Jurists in Mumbai on March 25, 2017.
She received the honour from former Indian President Pratibha Patil and Sri Lanka’s Chief Justice Priyasath Dep.
Hundreds of legal luminaries including current and former chief justices, hedges, barristers, lawyers and others attended the event held at the Sahayadri Government Guest House in Malabar Hill, Mumbai.
“A high-profile jury chose you for the honour in recognition of your unique contribution in the field of Arbitration and Meditation,” Dr Adish C Aggarwala, President of the International Council of Jurists and Chairman, All India Bar Association and Convenor, Indian Council of Jurists, said in a letter address to Ms Castelino.
She is also a practising Advocate in the Mumbai High Court.
Ms Castelino has been a casual columnist and is known for this clear, straightforward approach to issues and always informs her clients the pros and cons of taking up any case in a court of law, explaining the legal process and the time and money involved.
It was these qualities that won her recognition, apart from her success rate.
Writing on Divorces and the resultant court cases, Ms Castelino wrote in our December 15, 2013 issue the following:
The expensive approach
If a couple have disagreements, conflicts and irreparable differences, it does not mean that one of them is bad. It simply implies that the two different personalities are not compatible and hence the knot must be untied allowing both to restart their life. There is no guarantee that every marriage will be successful.
Despite the best efforts of all concerned for reconciliation, some marriages become unworkable in India. People have used the court system as a vehicle for reconciliation in the past but in today’s world, court proceedings take considerable time, making many nervous with an uncertain future.
Obstinacy spoils
In some cases, the parties remain adamant. Their ego clashes and the level of anger make them use legal proceedings as a weapon for revenge. Relationship breaks down within a few months of marriage. These trends may indicate that the tolerance and ability to adjust is moving downward rapidly.
Break-up of long-standing marriages is also not new.
Mediation helps
Although delicate, the matter can be amicably settled if handled carefully with the help of mediators, counsellors or lawyers. Instead of sourness in life and living under constant stress, opting for reconciliation or divorce would ease life.
It is also good to allow time to cool down the situation. Think what you need to give in marriage rather than expect from the other side. There are many aspects of marriage that can be solved through counselling or through a lawyer with the right approach.
Mumbai based eminent family Lawyer Amol Sutrale said that that lawyers should try to mediate between warring couples for a solution either for an amicable split or reunion to protect the interest of their children.
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Photo Caption:
Matilda Castelino receiving her ‘National Law Day Award 2017’ from former Indian President Pratibha Patil and Sri Lanka’s Chief Justice Priyasath Dep in Mumbai on March 25.
