In a move aimed at reducing the heavy burden on courts and promoting faster, people-friendly justice, India will launch a 90-day nationwide mediation campaign from July 1 to settle pending cases across the country. Titled ‘Mediation For the Nation’, the initiative is a joint effort by the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) and the Supreme Court’s Mediation and Conciliation Project Committee (MCPC), aiming to encourage citizens to embrace mediation as a cost-effective, quick, and relationship-preserving method of resolving disputes.
Taking Mediation to Every Corner
Under the guidance of Chief Justice of India B R Gavai and Supreme Court Judge and NALSA executive chairman Justice Surya Kant, the campaign will run from July 1 to September 30, 2025. It will target the settlement of suitable cases pending in courts, starting from taluka-level courts up to high courts, while promoting mediation in every corner of the country as a people-centric approach to dispute resolution.
According to NALSA’s press release, “Mediation ‘For the Nation’ campaign is being launched across India to settle pending cases and build public trust in mediation as a cost-effective, speedy, and relationship-saving method of dispute resolution.” The campaign will help ease the burden on courts while empowering citizens with an alternative dispute resolution mechanism that saves time and money and maintains harmony.
Wide Range of Cases Eligible
The nature of pending cases eligible for mediation under this campaign is broad, including matrimonial disputes, accident claims, domestic violence cases, cheque bounce cases, commercial disputes, service-related matters, criminal compoundable cases, consumer disputes, debt recovery cases, partition and eviction matters, and land acquisition issues, among others.
The Supreme Court’s statement clarified that these categories have been carefully identified to ensure that disputes suitable for amicable settlements are prioritized, allowing courts to focus on cases requiring full judicial intervention while fostering a mediation culture across the legal system.
The campaign will engage existing mediators across India, including those who have recently completed 40-hour mediation training, ensuring adequate personnel are available to facilitate settlements effectively. Settlement efforts will continue throughout the week to align with the convenience of the parties involved, enabling flexible and accessible mediation sessions that cater to diverse schedules.
Flexible Approach to Maximise Participation
To maximize the effectiveness of the campaign, mediation sessions will be conducted in offline, online, and hybrid modes, ensuring participants from different locations and backgrounds can access the services easily. This flexibility is particularly important in ensuring that mediation can reach remote and rural areas, aligning with the campaign’s goal of taking mediation to every nook and corner of the country.
The initiative will be closely monitored by the Mediation Monitoring Committees of State High Courts to ensure transparency, accountability, and the achievement of intended objectives. By involving state-level committees, the campaign aims to maintain high standards in mediation practices while aligning with the broader justice delivery system.
The campaign reflects India’s push towards embracing alternative dispute resolution mechanisms to reduce pendency in courts while ensuring that citizens receive timely, amicable resolutions to disputes. By settling cases outside the traditional courtroom setting, mediation not only helps de-clog courts but also promotes harmony and reduces the emotional and financial strain on individuals involved in prolonged litigation.
With the launch of the ‘Mediation For the Nation’ campaign, India is set to take a significant step towards a more efficient, people-friendly justice system, reflecting the judiciary’s commitment to making justice accessible and effective for all.
