The 2nd National Mediation Conference opened in Bhubaneswar with Chief Justice of India Justice BR Gavai delivering the inaugural address.
The event brought together an array of dignitaries, including Odisha Governor Dr Hari Babu Kambhampati, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Attorney General R Venkataramani, and senior judges and legal experts from across India.
Justice Gavai underlined mediation as a rapidly evolving mechanism for dispute resolution, formally institutionalised through the Mediation Act 2023.
He observed that mediation provides an alternative to lengthy, adversarial litigation by emphasising dialogue, understanding, and collaborative solutions. According to him, the conference aims to strengthen institutional practices and address existing gaps in the system.
Learning from History & Expanding Access
Drawing on India’s freedom struggle as an example, Justice Gavai recalled how differences among leaders were often reconciled through patient dialogue and negotiation.
He stressed that mediation is not new to Indian society and should extend beyond legal circles into communities. Section 43 of the Mediation Act, he noted, allows community mediation with prior consent to safeguard peace and harmony at the grassroots level.
Justice Gavai highlighted the need to train citizens in practical mediation skills. He proposed adapting the 40-hour National Legal Services Authority training for wider use and offering it in multiple regional languages. This, he said, would equip ordinary people to resolve social, familial, and local disputes constructively, reducing the burden on courts.
He also emphasised that the success of mediation cannot rest on a single law or conference but requires sustained practice, cultural acceptance, and strong infrastructure. By fostering dialogue and collaborative problem-solving, India can build an inclusive and trusted mediation ecosystem.
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