New Delhi, Chief Justice of India Surya Kant has promoted mediation as a robust dispute resolution mechanism, stating it's close to his heart.
The Supreme Court Legal Service Committee has created a huge team of trained mediators, with the CJI proudly saying that in every town and street, people know what mediation is.
A high-level panel discussion on 'Technology and the Future of Mediation' was hosted by the Indian High Commission in London, featuring leading judicial and legal figures from India and the UK.
The CJI outlined the evolution of mediation in India, dividing it into two phases: before and after the enactment of the Mediation Act, 2023.
He highlighted judicial initiatives aimed at building mediation capacity, including mandatory training programmes for mediators and the role of the National Legal Services Authority and Lok Adalats in familiarising citizens with consensual dispute resolution mechanisms.
Responding to a question on whether mediation should be preferred over arbitration, the CJI emphasised that both mechanisms have important roles to play, but parties should first attempt to resolve differences through mediation due to its affordability, speed, and ability to preserve commercial relationships.
