Chief Justice of India Surya Kant on Friday outlined a vision for transforming India’s judicial system into a “multi-door courthouse,” where courts function not just as venues for trials but as comprehensive centers for dispute resolution. Speaking at the Bar Council of India’s National Conference and Symposium on Mediation in South Goa, he emphasized the growing importance of mediation in reducing judicial backlog.
CJI Kant highlighted the urgent need for more trained mediators at all judicial levels, noting that India currently has 39,000 mediators but requires over 2,50,000 to meet demand. He described mediation not as a weakness of law but as its “highest evolution,” enabling parties to resolve disputes harmoniously without resorting to litigation.
Addressing the rise of cybercrimes, the CJI stressed the necessity of training lawyers to tackle AI-driven offenses and emerging digital threats. He called for a national-level legal academy, akin to the National Judicial Academy, to equip legal professionals with skills to handle complex modern cases effectively.
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The multi-door court model, he explained, would provide citizens with multiple avenues—mediation, arbitration, and litigation—tailored to the nature of their dispute. While some cases will still require formal trials, the model empowers litigants by prioritizing resolution and preserving relationships wherever possible.
CJI Kant also underlined the importance of cultural understanding in mediation, noting that a mediator’s success depends on grasping the local dialects, expressions, and social context of the parties involved. He emphasized the role of temperament, compassion, and dedication in achieving successful mediation outcomes.
The event, held at the India International University of Legal Education and Research in South Goa, saw participation from top SC judges, Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, Bar Council of India chairman Manan Kumar Mishra, and other dignitaries. Earlier, the CJI also took part in a symbolic ‘Mediation Awareness’ walk, highlighting its cost-effectiveness and win-win benefits for parties involved.
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