CJI Surya Kant: Mediation is Law's Highest Evolution, Not Weakness

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Chief Justice of India Surya Kant emphasized that mediation is not a sign of the law's weakness, but rather its highest evolution. Speaking at a national conference on mediation in Goa, the CJI highlighted the importance of shifting from a culture of adjudication to a culture of participation, where conflicts are actively cultivated and harmony is achieved. The CJI described mediation as 'the genius of our soil,' an ancient art that has been recontextualized for a modern era. He also called for a transition towards a multi-door courthouse system, where courts become comprehensive centers for dispute resolution, offering various methods tailored to specific grievances. During his address, the CJI also launched a 30-day awareness campaign against drug abuse in Goa, stressing the need for a calibrated balance of deterrence, treatment, and social reintegration to confront the issue. He emphasized that prevention requires coordination and recovery requires continuity, and institutions must work together to address substance abuse. The CJI also paid tribute to the 25 people who lost their lives in the recent Goa nightclub fire, expressing his condolences to their loved ones and the nation. He noted that the tragedy highlights the need for a more proactive approach to addressing social issues and working together to prevent such tragedies in the future.