During the second National Mediation Conference in Bhubaneswar, Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai delivered a powerful address, highlighting mediation not just as a legal instrument, but as a deeply embedded practice within our communities. He underscored that only through dedicated and united efforts can mediation become a cornerstone of India’s judicial system.
Justice Gavai asserted that the success of mediation hinges on the collective commitment of judges, legal professionals, mediators, community leaders, and ordinary citizens. Their readiness to embrace dialogue, cultivate mutual understanding, and prioritize collaborative solutions over contentious disputes will shape its future.
He elaborated that the true potential of mediation lies in its ability to transcend courtrooms, permeating the daily lives of people nationwide. This collective dedication is essential for mediation to be recognized as an indispensable part of India’s justice landscape.
The Chief Justice remarked that peace is often disrupted not by the mere presence of disagreement, but by the reluctance to listen, empathize, and earnestly seek resolution. He views conflict as a valuable opportunity for growth and deeper understanding. Mediation, coupled with open communication, offers a transformative path from discord to meaningful dialogue, turning tension into constructive collaboration and restoring harmony between disputing parties.
Recognizing mediation as a rapidly advancing and crucial domain in dispute resolution, Justice Gavai acknowledged its formal recognition and institutionalization through the Mediation Act, 2023. This development, he noted, emerged as a vital response to the escalating case backlog, protracted delays, and the often confrontational nature of conventional legal proceedings.
He further distinguished mediation from traditional litigation, emphasizing that while litigation often focuses on winning or losing, mediation champions dialogue, understanding, and cooperative outcomes. It empowers parties to maintain control over both the process and the resolution, offering a quicker, more adaptable, and confidential avenue for settling disagreements.
The inaugural session also saw the presence of notable dignitaries including Odisha Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, along with other esteemed Supreme Court judges and Chief Justices from various High Courts across the nation.