CJI Surya Kant Launches Book on Mediation Movement in India, Emphasizes Practical Craft

Chief Justice of India Surya Kant on July 18, 2026, launched The Mediation Movement in India at Chandigarh, a comprehensive volume edited by Prof. (Dr.) Seema Gupta that examines the evolution of mediation in the country, with a special focus on the Mediation Act, 2023. At the launch, the Chief Justice underscored that while the statute may be read in a single sitting, the practice of mediation demands far deeper understanding and experience. The event comes at a critical juncture when Indian courts are grappling with over five crore pending cases, and alternative dispute resolution mechanisms are being actively promoted as a viable solution.

A Timely Publication

The book, published by Law and Justice Publishing Company, brings together twenty-four chapters contributed by twenty-six authors, including judges, advocates, senior trainers of the Mediation and Conciliation Project Committee (MCPC) of the Supreme Court, practising mediators, and legal academics. Its scope is remarkably broad, covering the Mediation Act, 2023, pre-litigation and institutional mediation, family and commercial disputes, online dispute resolution, artificial intelligence, and the ethical and practical challenges that mediators face. This diversity of authorship and subject matter positions the volume as a vital resource for legal professionals seeking to understand the intricacies of mediation in the Indian context.

Bridging the Gap Between Law and Practice

In his observations at the launch, Chief Justice Surya Kant noted that the Mediation Act, 2023 could be read in a single sitting, but the actual craft of mediation requires far greater understanding and experience. He explained that the book attempts to bridge this gap by delving into the human dynamics that are often absent from court pleadings, such as how mediators navigate breakdowns in negotiations and address the emotional and relational aspects of disputes. The Chief Justice's emphasis on the "craft" of mediation signals a shift from merely understanding the statutory text to mastering the practical skills necessary to resolve conflicts effectively.

In his Foreword to the publication, the Chief Justice writes: "The mediation movement is not a passing phase. It is a fundamental rethinking of how justice is delivered, and this book is a worthy companion on that journey." This statement encapsulates the transformative vision behind the mediation initiative, positioning it not as a stop-gap measure but as a paradigm shift in the Indian justice delivery system.

The Growing Momentum of Mediation in India

The launch of the book coincides with the ongoing Mediation for the Nation Campaign 2.0 , led by the MCPC and the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) under the leadership of Chief Justice Surya Kant. According to a press release, the first phase of this campaign resulted in the settlement of over one lakh cases nationwide, demonstrating the tangible impact of mediation as a dispute resolution tool. With more than five crore cases pending before courts across the country, the need for efficient and effective alternative mechanisms has never been more urgent. The Mediation Act, 2023 provides a statutory framework that institutionalizes mediation, while initiatives like the campaign are operationalizing it on the ground.

Voices from the Editorial Perspective

Prof. (Dr.) Seema Gupta, the editor of the volume and a certified mediator affiliated with the MCPC, articulates the broader significance of the movement in her Preface. She states: "India's longstanding tradition of dialogue and compromise finds a structured and legally recognised expression through mediation." She further describes the Mediation Act, 2023 as "a declaration that India is ready to pursue justice through conversation, not only adjudication." These words reflect the deep cultural roots of mediation in Indian society, while acknowledging the formal legal scaffolding now in place.

Prof. Gupta serves as Faculty Advisor of Madhyastha – The Centre of Excellence in ADR at the University Institute of Legal Studies (UILS), Chandigarh University. This is her third book, following Reproductive Rights of Women in India (2023) and Judicial Dissent – A Jurisprudential Analysis & Contemporary Outlook (2024). Her academic and practical expertise lends credibility to the volume, which is clearly designed to serve as both a scholarly reference and a practical guide.

Legal Implications and the Path Forward

The publication arrives at a pivotal moment for Indian dispute resolution. The Mediation Act, 2023 introduced a robust statutory framework covering pre-litigation mediation, institutional mediation, and the enforceability of mediated settlement agreements. However, as Chief Justice Surya Kant emphasized, the success of this framework depends on the quality of mediators and their ability to handle the nuanced human dynamics of conflict. The book's focus on practical and ethical challenges fills a critical gap in legal education, which has traditionally prioritized litigation over settlement processes.

For legal practitioners, this volume offers insights into the day-to-day realities of mediation, including strategies for managing impasse, examining emotional triggers, and leveraging technology through online dispute resolution. The inclusion of artificial intelligence as a topic reflects the forward-looking approach of the authors, acknowledging that the future of justice delivery may increasingly involve hybrid or fully virtual mediation sessions.

Impact on Legal Practice and Education

The book is likely to influence how mediation is taught in law schools and how practitioners approach pre-litigation settlement. With the MCPC and NALSA actively promoting mediation campaigns, the demand for trained mediators is expected to rise. This publication serves as a training resource, detailing best practices and case studies that can be used in professional development programs. Moreover, the diverse authorship ensures that perspectives from the bench, bar, and academia are represented, fostering a holistic understanding of the mediation process.

The significance of the Chief Justice's personal involvement cannot be overstated. By authoring the Foreword and personally launching the book, he signals that the judiciary's top leadership is committed to institutionalizing mediation as a mainstream dispute resolution mechanism. This endorsement may encourage more courts to refer cases to mediation, thereby reducing the burden on an overstretched judicial system.

Conclusion

The Mediation Movement in India is more than a compilation of essays; it is a roadmap for transforming how justice is delivered in the country. As Chief Justice Surya Kant aptly put it, the movement is "a fundamental rethinking" of the justice system. With over a lakh cases already settled in the first phase of the national campaign and a statutory framework in place, mediation is poised to become an integral part of India's legal landscape. This book will be an essential companion for anyone committed to participating in that journey, whether as a judge, lawyer, mediator, or academic.