Surya Kant calls for greater use of mediation in justice system

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.

“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.