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.
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The Supreme Court today commenced a special week-long Lok Adalat, allowing media cameras inside courtrooms for the first time. Its aim is to settle pending cases and reduce backlog, with the first seven benches participating. The Chief Justice encouraged lawyers to bring suitable cases for amicable resolution, emphasizing the benefits of this informal, technology-driven method.
Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud urges citizens with pending cases before the Supreme Court to participate in a special Lok Adalat from July 29 to August 3, 2024, as part of the court’s 75th anniversary commemorations. The initiative aims to resolve disputes amicably and hassle-free, emphasizing the informal and technology-driven nature of the process.
During his visit to the UK Supreme Court, Chief Justice DY Chandrachud was offered the President’s seat to deliver his lecture on “Commercial Arbitration: Shared Understandings and Developments in UK and India.” He commended the Indian judiciary for its immense caseload and discussed the increasing relevance of alternative dispute resolution methods like arbitration and mediation.