Justice Manmohan of the Supreme Court said, “Courts must support arbitration, not act as a barrier,” while urging Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal at the IDRC Conclave 2025 to reconsider the Finance Ministry’s directive restricting arbitration in disputes above Rs 10 crore.
CJI BR Gavai stressed that mediation and dialogue can turn conflicts into opportunities for growth and harmony, citing the importance of the Mediation Act, 2023. Speaking at the National Mediation Conference in Bhubaneswar, he underlined the role of mediation in reducing case pendency and building trust in justice delivery.
NALSA and the SC Mediation Panel will launch a 90-day “Mediation For the Nation” campaign from July 1, 2025, to promote cost-effective dispute resolution across India. This initiative aims to resolve pending cases through mediation, encouraging a faster and more amicable process while alleviating the burden on courts and preserving relationships.
President Murmu and CJI Khanna advocated for mediation as a superior approach to justice during the National Mediation Conference, highlighting its ability to ease court congestion and foster social harmony. They stressed mediation’s role in restoring relationships and its significance in the Indian legal system, encouraging broader awareness and implementation.
Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna emphasized the significance of mediation as a preferred alternative to traditional court litigation during the National Mediation Conference 2025. He highlighted that mediation addresses complexities, fosters relationships, and facilitates a holistic approach to conflict resolution. The newly launched Mediation Association aims to promote this practice across India, especially in rural areas.
Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar emphasized the need for India to expand its presence in international commercial arbitration, stating that reliance solely on retired judges is insufficient. While acknowledging their expertise, he stressed the importance of including subject-matter specialists to strengthen the arbitration process. He also criticized excessive Article 136 interventions by the Supreme Court, arguing that what was meant to be a limited review mechanism is now disrupting the arbitral system.
Today, On 31st January, Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna remarked a plan to address the growing backlog of cases in Indian courts. With 82,445 cases pending in the Supreme Court and millions more in lower courts, the issue demands urgent attention. The upcoming conference will focus on practical solutions to speed up case disposal. Key discussions will focus on judicial reforms, technology adoption, and procedural efficiency.
On September 18, Chief Justice DY Chandrachud launched an online mediation training portal in New Delhi, developed by NALSA and MCPC. The portal features over 40 hours of training, including lectures and practical sessions, aimed at promoting alternative dispute resolution in India. The pilot phase runs from September 23 to October 6, 2024.
