Chief Justice of India on Mediation and Dispute Resolution

Chief Justice of India Surya Kant envisions a transformation in the judicial approach towards a multi-door courthouse, transforming courts into comprehensive centers for dispute resolution beyond just trials.

Highlights of the Speech at the Bar Council of India’s National Conference

• Need for More Mediators: Emphasized the necessity of increasing the number of mediators from district courts to the apex court to reduce judicial pendency. 
• Mediation as Evolution: Mediation is considered the highest evolution of law, not a weakness. 
• Comprehensive Dispute Resolution: Courts should provide avenues for mediation, arbitration, and litigation tailored to the grievances presented. 

Multi-Door Courthouse Concept

• This concept empowers litigants by providing multiple resolution paths.
• Litigation is seen as the last resort, after attempts at mediation and arbitration.

Mediation as a Preferred Method

• Training Requirement: The country currently has 39,000 trained mediators, but more than 250,000 are needed. 
• Mediation Campaign: "Mediation for Nation" launched to resolve disputes, including matrimonial and commercial, effectively. 
• Successful Outcomes: The campaign has yielded promising results, supporting the introduction of trained mediators. 

Cultural Relevance in Mediation

• Effective mediation requires understanding the local language, dialect, and cultural idiom.
• Mediators need to possess specific traits like temperament, compassion, and commitment.

Event and Participation

• The conference was held at the India International University of Legal Education and Research in South Goa.
• Attendees included Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and several Supreme Court Judges.

Conclusion

Mediation is highlighted as a cost-effective and successful approach, fostering a culture of participation and harmony. It offers a win-win situation for disputing parties, aiming to significantly reduce judicial pendency.