Community outreach programme 'Aap Ki Kachehri' is back on Star Plus

The show brought hopes, smiles and restored harmony in the lives of many with justice in the first two seasons of the much acclaimed show-Aap Ki Kachehri; The first quarter of year 2011, will see Kiran Bedi take on the television screen once again, adviced by experts, on what has been the original and undisputed platform for swift and decisive forum of Alternate Dispute Redressal- Aap Ki Kachehri.

Encouraged with the success and based on the credible format of "Aap ki Kachehri', Star India launches a nationwide campaign that invites members of the public to come and voice their real-life issues in order to get constructive resolution for the same, in their own city. Star India embarks on this large scale a community outreach programme called "Aap Ki Kachehri, Aap Ke Dwaar', with an aim to take entertainment beyond television and connect with its viewers. The first leg of this campaign which further reiterates the channel's brand-promise "Rishta Wahi, Soch Nayi' will be flagged-off in Delhi on December 17th, followed by Indore and Mumbai. This will be a prelude to Aap Ki Kachehri - Season 3 that will aim to reach people and touch lives.

The inaugural campaign in Delhi is expected to be attended by eminent personalities comprising -Additional Solicitor General and the architect of Domestic Violence Act of India- Ms. Indira Jaisingh; National Commission for Women (NCW), Chairperson- Dr. Girija Vyas , and National Secretary All India BJP & Former Mayor Delhi- Arti Mehra.

"Aap ki Kachehri - Aap ke Dwaar Mediation Camps' will be open to the general public. At these camps, relevant information, referrals, trained counselors and qualified mediators will be accessible for patient hearing and fair & fast mediation of the conflicted individuals and disputing parties, thereby providing them with quick and inexpensive resolution through alternate dispute redressal (ADR). For this initiative, STAR India will partner with organizations like National Commission for Women, Mahila Dakshata Samiti, Navjyoti, SAVIGYA, and other NGOs which are already active in the field of counseling. The nature of these cases would be based on civil issues which include property, marital, family and similar other disputes. Some of these cases which need detailed research and specific legal references would also be taken up on the television show Aap Ki Kachehri in future.

Commenting on this initiative, Monika Shergill, Senior Creative Director, STAR India said, "AKK is not just a show for Star Plus but a continued commitment to our viewers to bring about a positive change in the society. With Aapki Kachehri Aapke Dwaar we are extending the method of quick and peaceful conflict resolution to many more people on ground. Star Plus is confident that this effort will bring relief to many people who for lack of right legal advise and mediation have to struggle for years to resolve minor disputes."

Siddhartha Basu of Big Synergy, the producers of the show, said, "Aap Ki Kachehri has been a catalyst, and has provided a big fillip to mediation as a way of resolving conflicts, the way an effective television show can. By showing conflicts addressed and often resolved in real time, on sound principles of law and equity, it has used a powerful medium to raise awareness and change attitudes, through example. We're happy that Star took the initiative to hold mediation workshops in a number of cities, and now these camps are another step in the outreach effort, before the third series goes on air."

Dr. Kiran Bedi said, "I am extremely honoured that Star Plus and my team have touched so many lives and we are now moving towards this unique initiative. The idea of going to various cities across the country is indeed very noble as it would help us connect with people on a personal level. I look forward to the camp in Delhi and hope we continue the great work in harmony of truth & peace."

The camp will move further to MP, followed by Mumbai in early January, 2011. Star Plus will launch various on-ground and on-air awareness programmes to take the message further.