Chief Justice of India Surya Kant outlined his vision of transforming courts into multi-door courthouses focused on comprehensive dispute resolution. He stressed a mediation-driven justice system to shift courts beyond trials and expand accessible, efficient conflict settlement nationwide.
Chief Justice of India Surya Kant expressed his vision for a transition to a multi-door courthouse, positioning the court as a comprehensive center for dispute resolution rather than just a venue for trials.
Speaking at the inaugural session of the Bar Council of India’s National Conference and Symposium on Mediation in South Goa, he emphasized the increasing need for more mediators at all judicial levels, from district courts to the Supreme Court.
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He noted that mediation can alleviate judicial backlog, asserting that it is “not a sign of the law’s weakness but its highest evolution.”
He stated,
“As we look forward towards the horizon, I envision a transition towards the multi-door courthouse. What I mean to say is that this is a visionary concept where the court ceases to be a singular venue for trials. Rather, it becomes a comprehensive centre for dispute resolution,”
The Chief Justice highlighted that individuals seeking justice should find pathways to mediation, arbitration, and ultimately litigation, each tailored to the specifics of their grievances. He acknowledged that some cases may need to proceed to litigation, ensuring that the judicial system remains equipped for fair trials.
He referred to the multi-door courthouse concept as the “ultimate empowerment of litigants.”
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After administering the ‘Oath of Mediation’ to conference participants, the CJI shared his strong belief in the importance of mediation.
He explained,
“Litigation is often the autopsy of a dead relationship and a clinical exam of what went wrong. Mediation, on the contrary, is the remedial surgery that seeks to preserve the living pulse of a connection,”
To illustrate the essential nature of mediation, he pointed to the necessity of mediators who can effectively communicate in the local dialects and cultural expressions relevant to those involved.
Stressing the importance of training mediators, the CJI mentioned that while there are currently 39,000 trained mediators, the actual demand is much higher. For successful mediation implementation across the country, he estimated over 250,000 trained mediators would be required.
He emphasized that proper training is crucial, as the qualities of a mediator such as temperament, behavior, compassion, passion, commitment, and dedication play a significant role in their effectiveness.
The “Mediation for Nation” campaign, launched in July, aims to reduce judicial delays by addressing various disputes, including those in matrimonial, commercial, and motor accident contexts. He remarked on the positive outcomes from this initiative, expressing confidence that with trained mediators at all levels, significant progress would be achieved.
He reiterated that mediation reflects an evolution in the legal system, representing a shift from a culture of adjudication to one of participation, fostering harmony.
Among the attendees were Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, Supreme Court judges including Justice J.K. Maheshwari, Justice P.S. Narasimha, Justice Ahsanuddin Amanullah, Justice N. Kotiswar Singh, Justice Ujjal Bhuyan, Justice Prashant Kumar Mishra, Chief Justice of the Bombay High Court Justice S. Chandrasekhar, Chairman of the Bar Council of India Manan Kumar Mishra, and Advocate General of Goa Devidas Pangam.
The event took place at the India International University of Legal Education and Research in South Goa.
Earlier in the day, the CJI participated in a symbolic walk for ‘Mediation Awareness’ near Kala Academy in Panaji, highlighting that mediation is increasingly recognized as a successful and cost-effective approach, creating a win-win scenario for both parties.