Chief Justice of India Surya Kant urged creation of a national framework to utilise retired judges in ADR and legal awareness, stressing their engagement must be institutional, while noting, “The robe may be retired, the judge never is.”
The Supreme Court of India has introduced SAMADHAN SAMAROH 2026 to promote quick, consent-based dispute resolution through a Special Lok Adalat. The initiative focuses on “participative justice” and “doorstep delivery of justice” to reduce case backlog and speed up settlements.
CJI Surya Kant cautioned that excessive judicial interference in arbitration can undermine confidence in dispute resolution. Emphasising restraint, he warned that over intervention may weaken trust in arbitral processes and dilute assurance that arbitration agreements will be respected.
The Delhi High Court is hearing a plea challenging restriction of mediation training to Delhi High Court Bar Association members. Justice Purushaindra Kumar Kaurav sought responses from authorities regarding Samadhan training eligibility and listed the matter for April 16.
Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya said matrimonial disputes often extend beyond strict legal issues and require sensitive, creative solutions. Speaking at India International Disputes Week 2026, he urged lawyers and judges to adopt “out-of-the-box thinking” for justice.
Chief Justice of India Justice Surya Kant inaugurated a two-day conference of High Court Chief Justices at the National Judicial Academy in Bhopal. The meet focuses on judicial reforms, technology-driven courts, and building a unified, people-centric justice delivery system.
CJI Surya Kant stated, “Justice delayed is not only justice denied but it is justice destroyed.” He made these remarks at the Fali Nariman memorial lecture and during a felicitation program organized by the Bombay High Court.
The Chief Justice of India, Justice Surya Kant, said many cases can be resolved without lengthy trials through mediation and settlements. He stressed that faster, time-bound justice and meaningful outcomes must replace endless court processes.
A Supreme Court judge said mediation can become widely accepted in India only if people change their mindset and trust the process at the grassroots level. He stressed that mediation must work parallel to courts and should not be confused with arbitration.
Chief Justice of India Surya Kant will lead a ‘Mediation Awareness Walk’ in Panaji, Goa, on December 26 to promote mediation as a people-centric dispute resolution method. He will also participate in a two-day national conference and symposium on mediation organised by the Bar Council of India.
