Today, the President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu, graced the launch of the Mediation Association of India and addressed the inaugural First National Mediation Conference 2025 in New Delhi. The event marks a significant milestone in strengthening India's dispute resolution framework, aligning with the vision of a Viksit Bharat by 2047.
Reviving India's Civilisational Legacy
In her address, President Murmu emphasized that the Mediation Act, 2023 is a foundational step in consolidating India's rich tradition of out-of-court settlements. She urged stakeholders to build momentum and extend the Act's dispute resolution mechanisms to rural areas, empowering Panchayats to mediate conflicts locally.
By strengthening mediation practices, the President believes India can foster social harmony and reduce the burden on courts, making the judicial system more efficient.
Mediation: A Pillar of Justice Delivery
President Murmu highlighted mediation as a vital component of justice delivery, central to the ethos of the Constitution of India. She noted that mediation not only speeds up case resolutions but also enhances the ease of doing business and ease of living. This, in turn, supports India's developmental goals.
A Return to Tradition
Reflecting on India's historical judicial mechanisms, the President recalled the legendary role of Panchayats in fostering amicable resolutions. Unlike colonial legal systems, which sidelined these traditions, the Mediation Act, 2023, provides a robust institutional framework to revive and promote mediation.
"The Panchayat’s endeavour was not only to resolve the dispute but also to remove any bitterness among the parties," she remarked, underscoring its role in maintaining social harmony.
A Call to Action
The President described the First National Mediation Conference as a call to action for shaping the future of mediation in India. She emphasized nurturing trust, building professional capabilities, and ensuring mediation is accessible to all citizens, regardless of socio-economic background.
The establishment of the Mediation Association of India is a pivotal step in institutionalizing mediation as a preferred mode of dispute resolution. It aims to create a structured, accessible, and effective mediation ecosystem suited to today's dynamic world.
Building a Harmonious Nation
President Murmu concluded by framing mediation as a societal imperative that fosters dialogue, understanding, and collaboration. These values, she said, are crucial for building a conflict-resilient, inclusive, and harmonious society.
The launch of the Mediation Association of India and the First National Mediation Conference 2025 signal a transformative era for dispute resolution in India. As the nation embraces mediation, it takes a significant step toward a stronger, more harmonious future.