Rule of Law Means Timely Justice, Not Every Dispute in Court: CJI Surya Kant

Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant on Saturday called for making mediation an integral part of India's justice delivery system, asserting that the rule of law is meant to guarantee timely, accessible and dignified justice, rather than requiring every dispute to be settled through courtroom litigation.

Speaking at the Commonwealth Peace Mediation Conference, the CJI said modern justice systems must focus on delivering outcomes that are efficient, humane and accessible, especially as courts continue to face mounting caseloads and increasingly complex disputes.

"The Rule of Law does not demand that every grievance be adjudicated; it demands only that every citizen enjoy timely, accessible, and dignified recourse to justice," Justice Kant said, stressing that justice should be measured by its accessibility and effectiveness rather than the number of cases decided through litigation.

Highlighting the unique strengths of mediation, the CJI said it empowers disputing parties to shape their own solutions instead of relying solely on adversarial legal proceedings. According to him, mediation enables people to address the underlying causes of conflict while resolving disputes in a manner that is proportionate in terms of both time and cost. Justice Kant observed that mediation encourages parties to move beyond rigid legal positions and work towards mutually acceptable outcomes. He noted that this approach is particularly valuable in disputes where preserving personal, family or commercial relationships is as important as resolving the legal issues involved.

The CJI also underlined the enduring relevance of mediation, describing it as a practice deeply rooted in India's ancient traditions while remaining highly suited to the demands of contemporary legal systems. He expressed confidence that mediation would assume an even greater role in the future as judicial systems seek faster and more collaborative methods of dispute resolution.

Describing its lasting significance, Justice Kant remarked that mediation is "a tradition as old as our ancient heritage and as urgent as Monday morning's docket." Concluding his address, the Chief Justice expressed optimism about the continued expansion of mediation as a cornerstone of justice delivery and extended his best wishes for the success of the conference.