The President of India, Droupadi Murmu, addressed the First National Mediation Conference 2025 in New Delhi, marking a significant milestone in institutionalizing mediation as an essential component of India’s legal framework. The event also witnessed the launch of the Mediation Association of India, a dedicated body aimed at fostering structured mediation practices across the country.
Murmu emphasized the need to extend mediation practices to rural areas, ensuring Panchayats are legally empowered to mediate and resolve conflicts at the grassroots level. She noted that social harmony in villages is integral to national stability and development, highlighting that effective dispute resolution mechanisms can prevent long-drawn legal battles, reduce the burden on courts, and enhance the ease of doing business and living.
The President underscored that India has a deep-rooted tradition of out-of-court settlements, particularly within Panchayat systems, which historically worked to foster amicable resolutions while eliminating bitterness between disputing parties. However, she pointed out that colonial influences sidelined India’s indigenous legal traditions, imposing an alien legal framework that lacked institutional backing for mediation. The Mediation Act, 2023, she asserted, fills this gap, creating a structured and vibrant mediation ecosystem that can cater to modern and traditional dispute resolution needs.
She stressed that the First National Mediation Conference was not merely ceremonial but a call to action, urging legal professionals to nurture trust, build expertise, and make mediation widely accessible. The establishment of the Mediation Association of India institutionalizes mediation as a preferred and structured mode of resolving disputes.
Murmu concluded by stating that mediation is not just a legal necessity but a societal imperative, fostering dialogue, collaboration, and inclusivity. She expressed confidence that India’s growing mediation ecosystem will contribute to a more harmonious and conflict-resilient society, ensuring accessible and efficient justice delivery for all citizens.
The event was attended by Minister of Law and Justice Arjun Ram Meghwal, Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna, and Supreme Court Judge B.R. Gavai, along with key legal experts and policymakers. Their participation highlighted the government’s commitment to mainstreaming mediation as a vital legal tool in India’s justice system.
