Attorney General Calls for ‘National Mediation Movement’, Says India Should Lead the World in Collaborative Justice

Speaking at the closing ceremony of the 3rd Edition of the Mediation Championship India (MCI 2025), held at the India International Centre (IIC), New Delhi, the Attorney General emphasized the need to recognize mediators and institutionalize the practice nationwide. “Mediation is not just a process; it is a powerful tool for national development and justice. We must move towards a national mediation movement, encouraging law schools and legal practitioners to embrace dialogue over adversarial conflict,” he said.

Calling for empathy and understanding in dispute resolution, Venkataramani added, “Recognizing and honoring mediators is essential to strengthen the profession. With dedication and compassion, mediation can reshape our legal system. I hope to see India become the headquarters of an international mediation association, leading the world in this transformative approach.”

The conclave, organized by The PACT in partnership with Manav Rachna University, Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas, and the Prem Tara Foundation, marked the culmination of a three-day event (November 7–9) dedicated to advancing mediation education and practice across India.

In his keynote address, Justice Kurian Joseph, former Supreme Court judge, likened mediators to navigators who guide disputing parties toward trust and understanding. “It’s not about time or structure but about sincerity and effort,” he said, emphasizing that mediation must evolve as an independent discipline rather than being bracketed under alternative dispute resolution (ADR).

Jonathan Rodrigues, Mediator and Founder of The PACT, echoed the sentiment, stating, “MCI 2025 celebrates India’s growing mediation movement. It’s time we let mediation breathe on its own. MCI is more than a competition, it’s a mission to build India’s next generation of mediation leaders.”

The Mission Mediation Conclave 2025 featured a distinguished gathering of legal luminaries, including Justice (Retd.) Gita Mittal, Justice (Retd.) M. L. Mehta, Justice Tejas Karia, and Senior Advocates from leading law firms such as Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas, Khaitan & Co., Trilegal, Dua Associates, SAMVĀD Partners, and DSK Legal.

As the Attorney General summed up, “The participation of students and young professionals is key to sustaining this movement. India must lead the world in promoting mediation, not as an option, but as a way of life.”