CJI Surya Kant calls for greater use of mediation in justice system

Chief Justice of India Surya Kant stressed the importance of mediation in delivering timely, accessible and dignified justice. Addressing the Commonwealth Peace Mediation Conference, he said mediation offers efficient, humane and practical dispute resolution while reducing the burden on evolving legal systems

Jaipur: Chief Justice of India Surya Kant on Saturday made a strong case for mediation as an integral part of the justice delivery system, saying the rule of law seeks to ensure timely, accessible and dignified justice rather than the adjudication of every dispute.

Addressing the Commonwealth Peace Mediation Conference, the CJI said the justice system must prioritise outcomes that are efficient, humane and accessible to all.

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“The Rule of Law does not demand that every grievance be adjudicated; it demands only that every citizen enjoy timely, accessible, and dignified recourse to justice,” he said.

Highlighting the advantages of mediation over adversarial processes, he emphasised the autonomy it gives disputing parties in crafting their own solutions.

“Mediation alone permits the parties themselves to author their own resolution, addressing the true sources of conflict at a pace and cost proportionate to the dispute,” the CJI said.

He noted that mediation enables a shift away from rigid legal positions towards a more meaningful resolution of disputes, especially in situations where preserving relationships is important.

Kant also underscored the broader philosophical and practical relevance of mediation, saying such approaches align with both modern needs and longstanding traditions of dispute resolution.

He expressed confidence that mediation would continue to grow in importance as legal systems evolve to handle increasing caseloads and complex disputes.

Referring to the enduring relevance of such mechanisms, he said they represent “a tradition as old as our ancient heritage and as urgent as Monday morning’s docket.”

The CJI concluded his address on a note of optimism, extending his best wishes for the success of the conference.