The Second National Mediation Conference was inaugurated today at the Lokseva Bhawan Convention Hall in Bhubaneswar, bringing together top judicial and political leaders to advance alternative dispute resolution in India. The event, attended by the Governor of Odisha, the Chief Justice of India (CJI), the Chief Minister of Odisha, and other dignitaries, emphasized mediation as a tool for harmony, efficiency, and accessible justice.
Governor Dr. Haribabu Kambhampati, in his presidential address, described mediation as a pathway to social harmony, rooted in dialogue and consensus. “Mediation is not only about resolving disputes but also about building trust, preserving relationships, and creating social harmony,” he said, expressing pride in Odisha hosting the event to foster a nationwide culture of consensus.
CJI Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai highlighted the transformative role of the Mediation Act, 2023, in elevating mediation from an optional remedy to a core pillar of the justice system. He noted that the Act promotes participatory, equitable, and accessible justice, while alleviating the burden of pending cases in courts. “Statutory recognition has transformed mediation into a credible pillar of justice delivery,” the CJI remarked.
Odisha Chief Minister Shri Mohan Charan Majhi reiterated the state’s commitment to judicial reforms and positioned mediation as a “movement for peace, goodwill, and justice.” He outlined the “Four C’s” of mediation—cost-effectiveness, confidentiality, control, and creativity—as key benefits for conflicting parties. “At its core, mediation is about dialogue, not dispute. It is about building bridges, not walls,” the CM stated, adding that partial resolutions through mediation could ease court workloads and provide quicker access to justice.
The CM also called for swift implementation of the conference’s recommendations, instructing the State Law Department to record and forward all conclusions to his office. This, he said, would enhance public trust in mediation and make the system more accessible and respected.
Chief Justice of the Orissa High Court, Shri Harish Kumar Tandon, praised Odisha’s efforts in expanding mediation services, while Law Minister Shri Prithwiraj Harichandan commended the collaborative push by the judiciary and government to promote mediation across India.
The inaugural session featured notable guests, including Supreme Court Judge Justice Surya Kant, Attorney General of India Shri R. Venkataramani, Advocate General of Odisha Shri Pitambar Acharya, and Chief Justices and Judges from various states. Shri Acharya delivered the welcome address, including a message from the Prime Minister, and Justice Manas Ranjan Pathak concluded with a vote of thanks.
The conference aims to consolidate mediation as a cornerstone of India’s legal framework, addressing case backlogs and promoting sustainable, amicable resolutions. As discussions continue, experts anticipate actionable reforms to strengthen public confidence in alternative dispute mechanisms.
