In a significant push to promote mediation across India, Chief Justice of India (CJI) D.Y. Chandrachud and Supreme Court judges are set to participate in a major national conference in Goa. The two-day event, scheduled for December 26 and 27, aims to bolster the framework for Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) in the country.
Goa to Host Key Judiciary Gathering on Mediation
The National Conference on Mediation is being organized by the Supreme Court of India in collaboration with the Goa State Legal Services Authority (GSLSA). The conference will see the participation of a high-powered delegation from the apex court. Alongside CJI Chandrachud, other Supreme Court judges confirmed to attend include Justice Sanjiv Khanna, Justice Surya Kant, Justice J.K. Maheshwari, and Justice Hima Kohli.
This gathering underscores the Indian judiciary's firm commitment to integrating mediation as a mainstream mechanism for resolving disputes. The choice of Goa as the venue highlights the national scope of this initiative, bringing together legal minds from across the country to a single platform.
Objectives and Agenda of the Conference
The primary goal of the conference is to deliberate on strategies for strengthening the mediation ecosystem in India. With the recent enactment of the Mediation Act, 2023, there is a renewed impetus to institutionalize mediation and reduce the burden on traditional courts. The agenda is expected to cover critical topics such as the training of mediators, enforcement of mediated settlement agreements, and the integration of mediation into the legal curriculum.
Justice M.S. Sonak, a judge of the Bombay High Court at Goa, will serve as the executive chairman for the event. His leadership, along with the involvement of the GSLSA, ensures that the conference will address both theoretical frameworks and practical challenges faced in implementing ADR mechanisms at the grassroots level.
Broader Implications for India's Legal System
The active involvement of the Chief Justice and Supreme Court judges sends a powerful message about the priority accorded to mediation. This conference is not merely a discussion forum but a strategic step towards operationalizing the vision of accessible and speedy justice. By promoting mediation, the judiciary aims to decongest courts, lower litigation costs for citizens, and foster a more amicable dispute-resolution culture.
The outcomes of this Goa conference are likely to shape policy directives and training modules for mediators nationwide. It represents a pivotal moment in India's legal reform journey, aligning the justice delivery system with global best practices in conflict resolution.
As the dates approach, the legal community anticipates key announcements and actionable plans that will emerge from this high-level conclave, setting the tone for the future of mediation in India.
