The Supreme Court of India, in a significant move to bolster alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, has introduced an online mediation training web portal. Developed by the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) in collaboration with the Mediation and Conciliation Project Committee (MCPC), the portal aims to streamline and enhance the mediation training process.
This initiative was unveiled after a dedicated five-month effort involving extensive consultations with mediation experts. The platform offers a robust 40-hour training program, which includes more than 50 lectures across 20 different mediation topics, complemented by over 10 hours of interactive practical sessions.
Chief Justice of India, D.Y. Chandrachud, praised NALSA for its innovative approach in conceptualizing and developing the training course. “This program is set to make mediation the primary mode of dispute resolution, equipping lawyers, judges, and law students with essential skills in mediation,” he remarked during the launch.
Justice Sanjiv Khanna, executive chairman of NALSA, detailed the meticulous process of creating the training module. He highlighted the growing need for effective alternative dispute resolution methods in India, where courts are often overwhelmed with cases.
The training initially targets judicial officers and lawyers with at least ten years of experience, who can register for the program through the web portal from September 23, 2024, to October 6, 2024. This pilot phase is crucial for gathering insights and refining the program based on the feedback from its early participants.
Santosh Snehi Mann, Member Secretary of NALSA, emphasized the program’s focus on developing skills for effective communication, negotiation, and dispute resolution. “Our goal is to equip participants to manage disputes more amicably and efficiently,” she stated.
The online platform, developed by the National Informatics Centre (NIC), represents a stride towards integrating traditional Indian dispute resolution practices with modern legal frameworks. This initiative not only supports the judicial system by alleviating case backlogs but also promotes a more collaborative approach to resolving conflicts.
