CJI Surya Kant Pushes ‘Mediation for Nation’, Calls It Cost-Effective, Win-Win Alternative to Litigation

The CJI was speaking to reporters after participating in a symbolic walk for Mediation Awareness near Kala Academy in Panaji, Goa. The event formed part of a broader outreach initiative aimed at promoting mediation as a preferred mode of dispute resolution across the country.

“Mediation is being accepted as successful and cost-effective. It is a win-win situation for both parties because it results in a settlement,” Justice Kant said.

Highlighting the voluntary nature of mediation, the Chief Justice underscored that mediators do not impose outcomes on disputing parties. “In mediation, no mediator will impose anything on any party. It is only what the parties desire or agree to that forms the settlement,” he explained.

Later in the day, Justice Kant was scheduled to participate in a conference titled ‘Mediation: How Significant in the Present-Day Context’, organised by the India International University of Legal Education and Research (IIULER) at Sancoale village in South Goa. The conference brings together judges, legal practitioners, academics and policymakers to deliberate on the expanding role of mediation in India’s justice delivery system.

Justice Kant also spoke about the Supreme Court’s ‘Mediation for Nation’ initiative, describing it as a conscious effort to spread awareness about mediation among all stakeholders in the justice ecosystem.

“The message is not only for the consumers of justice but also for the direct stakeholders; the Bar and the Bench,” the CJI said, adding that awareness and sensitisation are key to making mediation effective.

He noted that once litigants, lawyers and judges become conscious of mediation as a viable tool, the results are tangible. “If people sensitise themselves, they become conscious of the fact that mediation is a successful tool. This leads to good results, and this has actually happened,” he said.

According to the CJI, the Supreme Court has been able to persuade High Courts and district courts across the country to actively identify cases that are suitable for mediation. These include disputes where relationships need preservation or where prolonged litigation may cause more harm than resolution.

“We were able to persuade our High Courts and district courts to identify certain matters which can be sent for mediation,” Justice Kant said.

Describing mediation as a continuous and evolving process, the Chief Justice clarified that it is not limited to pending cases alone. “Mediation is an ongoing process. It will continue for old cases and also for fresh ones. It will also continue at the pre-litigation stage, even before a case is taken to court,” he added.

Recently, in November, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the National Conference on ‘Strengthening Legal Aid Delivery Mechanisms’ and graced the celebration of ‘Legal Services Day’ at the Supreme Court of India. The conference focused on improving access to justice for all citizens and strengthening the delivery of legal aid services across the country.

In his inaugural address, PM Modi had said that mediation has always been a part of Indian culture. "Mediation has always been a part of our culture..the new act gives modern form to that ancient culture..I believe this training module will create resources for community mediation that will resolve disputes and maintain harmony", the PM had added while launching NALSA's community mediation training module.

In a related news, in October, at the Annual Litigation Conference held in Chandigarh, Supreme Court judge Justice Surya Kant had underscored that mediation is not merely an alternative dispute resolution mechanism but a constitutional value that reflects India’s deeper commitment to compassion, consensus, and social harmony in justice delivery.