Source: The Hindu 

Introduction 

India’s justice delivery system is grappling with over 5 crore pending cases. Recognizing the need for accessible and amicable dispute resolution, the Supreme Court of India, under the leadership of Chief Justice of India (CJI) BR Gavai and Justice Surya Kant, is launching a nationwide mediation initiative. 

• ‘Mediation For Nation’ is a 90-day Pan-India Campaign aimed at resolving pending cases through mediation, promoting it as a people-friendly, cost-effective, and relationship-preserving mechanism. 
• The campaign will run from July 1 to September 30, 2025, covering all judicial tiers—from Taluka Courts to High Courts. 

What are the Key Highlights of this Campaign? 

Objectives of the Campaign: 

• Settle suitable pending cases amicably. 
• Promote mediation as a mainstream dispute resolution tool. 
• Reach every corner of the country through physical, online, or hybrid mediation. 
• Foster public trust in mediation’s ability to save time, cost, and relationships. 

Key Highlights of the Campaign: 

• Duration: July 1, 2025 – September 30, 2025 (90 days). 
• Initiators: Chief Justice of India BR Gavai and Justice Surya Kant (Executive Chairman, NALSA & MCPC). 
• Organizing Bodies: 
  • National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) 
  • Mediation and Conciliation Project Committee (MCPC) 
• Supervision: State-wise monitoring by High Court Mediation Committees. 
• Execution Support: Taluka and District Legal Services Authorities (DLSAs). 

Eligible Case Categories: 

• Matrimonial disputes 
• Accident claims 
• Domestic violence cases 
• Cheque bounce cases 
• Commercial disputes 
• Service matters 
• Compoundable criminal cases 
• Consumer protection disputes 
• Debt recovery matters 
• Partition suits 
• Eviction matters 
• Land acquisition issues 
• Other suitable civil cases 

Execution Timeline: 

• July 1 – July 31, 2025: 
  • Courts will identify and list eligible cases as “For Referral to the Special Mediation Drive”. 
  • Suitable cases will be informed of and referred to trained mediators. 
• Weekly Progress Reporting: 
  • Data submission dates: August 4, 11, 18, 25; September 1, 8, 15, 22. 
  • Final compilation: To be submitted to MCPC by October 6, 2025. 

Mediation Modalities: 

• Modes of Mediation: 
  • Physical 
  • Online 
  • Hybrid 
• Sessions: 
  • Conducted 7 days a week, as per convenience of parties. 
  • Mediators: Include newly trained professionals with 40-hour certification. 
  • Mediators can seek assistance of counsellors or experts if needed. 

Oversight and Evaluation: 

• Each High Court’s Mediation Monitoring Committee will supervise the campaign. 
• A national-level impact study will be conducted by National Judicial Academy, Bhopal, in collaboration with select National Law Universities. 

What is Mediation? 

About:  

• Mediation is a voluntary, non-adjudicatory process where a neutral third party (mediator) assists disputing parties in reaching a mutually acceptable settlement. 
• It is non-binding unless a settlement is reached and formally recorded. 
• Mediator does not impose decisions—only facilitates resolution through communication, negotiation, and clarity. 

Benefits: 

• It saves time, cost, and emotional stress. 
• Helps preserve relationships (especially in family and business matters). 
• Flexible, confidential, and non-confrontational. 

Types of Mediation: 

• Court-referred Mediation 
• Private Mediation 
• Pre-litigation Mediation 
• Community Mediation 

Statutory Framework Supporting Mediation: 

• Several Indian laws promote and allow mediation, including: 

What is Mediation Act, 2023: India’s First Comprehensive Mediation Law?  

Objective: 

• Promote institutional mediation, define mediation procedures, and enforce settlement agreements. 

Key Provisions: 

• Pre-Litigation Mediation: 
  • Mandatory for all civil and commercial disputes before filing suits or applications in court/tribunals. 
  • Even if pre-litigation mediation fails, courts can refer to the matter again during proceedings. 
• Disputes Not Fit for Mediation: 
  • Criminal cases involving serious offences. 
  • Claims against minors or persons of unsound mind. 
  • Cases affecting third-party rights. 
• Mediation Proceedings: 
  • To be completed within 180 days (extendable by another 180 days). 
  • Parties can opt out after 2 sessions. 
• Mediators: 
  • Appointed by agreement or through a mediation service provider. 
  • Must disclose conflict of interest and maintain neutrality. 
• Mediation Council of India: 
  • Apex body for promoting and regulating mediation. 
  • Composition includes: 
    • Chairperson 
    • Two full-time mediation experts 
    • Three ex-officio government members 
    • One industry body representative 
  • Responsibilities: 
    • Register mediators 
    • Recognise service providers and institutes 
• Mediated Settlement Agreements: 
  • Final, binding, and enforceable as court decrees. 
  • Challenge allowed only on grounds such as fraud, corruption, impersonation, or if the matter was not fit for mediation. 
• Community Mediation: 
  • For disputes impacting public harmony. 
  • Conducted by a panel of three mediators from the community. 

Conclusion 

The ‘Mediation for Nation’ campaign marks a historic shift in India’s dispute resolution approach—from adversarial litigation to collaborative mediation. It aims to empower people, unburden courts, and institutionalize mediation as the preferred mode of conflict resolution. Backed by a robust legal framework and the Mediation Act, 2023, this campaign has the potential to transform public perception, strengthen trust in justice delivery, and promote social harmony. If implemented effectively, it can be a game-changer for India’s legal landscape in the 21st century.