Artificial intelligence should not be allowed to replace human oversight in online mediation because technology lacks the empathy required to settle disputes, Chief Justice of India Surya Kant warned on Friday.
Addressing the inauguration of the Commonwealth Peace Mediation Conference 2026 in Jaipur, Justice Kant stated that while technology can expand dispute resolution services to remote regions, online mediation must remain predominantly in the hands of trained human mediators. AI software might imitate human voices, but it cannot convey genuine apology or understanding, he observed.
The Chief Justice also called for a shift in how alternative dispute resolution is perceived, arguing that mediation should no longer be treated as subordinate to litigation. Supported by statutory backing under the Mediation Act, mediation now functions as an equal companion to the court system rather than a secondary option, he noted. While traditional court rulings deliver binding legal certainty and precedents, mediation gives parties the opportunity to construct their own mutually agreed-upon outcomes.
Grassroots Foundations and Long-Term Impact
Reflecting on traditional community practices such as village panchayats in Haryana, Justice Kant described community dialogue as an early form of mediation that successfully resolved disputes long before modern terminology was established.
He described mediation as a challenging discipline requiring rigorous training, where practitioners must listen actively and transform anger into practical options for both parties. According to the Chief Justice, the true success of peacebuilding lies in whether interpersonal relationships endure after a resolution is reached, rather than the mere execution of legal documents.
Broad Agenda Across 52 Nations
The three-day conference, which runs through August 2, is organized by the Rajasthan State Legal Services Authority and brings together delegates from 52 Commonwealth nations. Discussions span a wide array of sectors, including commercial, workplace, environmental, infrastructure, family, and criminal justice mediation, alongside global peacebuilding initiatives. Attendees aim to produce the proposed Jaipur Declaration on Peace Mediation to serve as a practical framework for global legal professionals.
Strengthening Public Trust
Also addressing the gathering, Rajasthan High Court Acting Chief Justice S. P. Sharma stressed that mediation builds public confidence in legal institutions and fosters social harmony by engaging citizens at the grassroots level.
The inaugural session was attended by several dignitaries, including Union Minister of State for Law Arjun Ram Meghwal, Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma, and Zambia Supreme Court Judge Abha Nayar Patel.
