How To Resolve Disputes: CJI Chandrachud Advocates Meditation

New Delhi: Meditation can play an important role to resolve disputes other than litigation, according to Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud.

Speaking at a national conference on ‘Mediation at the Dawn of Golden Age’ at Delhi High Court, the CJI said that mediation, including online meditation, will reduce the courts’ caseload.

“In today’s fraught times, mediation has a message for us as citizens. Are we losing our ability to talk to each other across the spectrum? Are we losing the ability to engage in reasoned dialogue?” wondered Justice Chandrachud.

Stressing on the importance of mediation, Chandrachud said being good listeners will help in understanding other people’s points of view.

According to him, women from marginalised communities will benefit as mediation makes the law “less intimidating” and “less alienating.”

He also called on the government to “mediate and not litigate.”

Chandrachud made the point that when the government opts for this process, a message is sent that it is not an adversarial opponent.

“The government must adopt the robes of a friend, partner and problem-solver,” Justice Chandrachud added.

The CJI encouraged law schools to teach mediation as a dispute resolution mechanism to students.

“Law schools have a responsibility to train their students for the changing legal landscape. Youth-based mediation will prepare the next generation,” remarked Justice Chandrachud.

“We stand at the dawn of the golden age of mediation. Mediation should not be considered as just an alternate dispute resolution mechanism,” he added.