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DNLU, MPSLSA Launch Certificate Course on at NALSA West Zone Conference
In a significant step toward institutionalizing
in India, the
, Jabalpur, and the
officially opened admissions for a three-month Certificate Course titled
"
: Transforming Conflict into Consensus."
The launch took place during the West Zone Regional Conference on "Enhancing
" organized by MPSLSA under the aegis of the
in Indore on
. The event, themed
"United Voices, Stronger Tomorrow: Advancing
through Dialogue, Dignity & Inclusion,"
brought together an impressive assembly of judges, legal luminaries, policymakers, and academicians, all united by a common goal—making justice more accessible, empathetic, and effective for every citizen.
A Confluence of Legal Minds
The conference served as a platform for high-level deliberation on the future of
and
. Chief Justice of India, Justice Surya Kant, delivered the presidential address, setting the tone for the discussions. He spoke passionately about the need to move beyond
in
.
"
cannot be confined to
but must be rooted in empathy and sensitivity towards the marginalised,"
he asserted. Referencing
, the Chief Justice emphasized that
should ensure no citizen is denied justice because of
. He described dialogue, dignity, and inclusion as the practical foundations of an effective
system, adding that
must be tailored to local realities, with institutions communicating in people's own languages and learning from communities.
Justice Surya Kant also underscored the importance of in preserving relationships and reducing the . He commended the efforts of Acting Chief Justice of the , Justice Vivek Rusia, in advancing , and specifically lauded the joint initiative of DNLU and MPSLSA in launching the Certificate Course. In a memorable turn of phrase, he referred to paralegal volunteers as "Nyaya Sainik," or soldiers of justice, urging them to continue serving society selflessly.
Institutional Endorsements and Launch
The conference saw strong institutional support for the new course. Justice Vikram Nath, Judge of the and Executive Chairman of NALSA, described the certificate course as a "timely initiative" that would strengthen institutional capacity for and expand the pool of trained mediators. He also appreciated Justice Rusia's efforts in advancing the legal services movement and ensuring the successful conduct of the conference.
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav addressed the gathering, highlighting India's long tradition of justice and its evolution through technology-driven reforms, including e-filing, digital records, virtual hearings, and modern judicial management. He linked these developments to the State's commitment to ensuring accessible and equitable justice for all.
Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Law and Justice, Arjun Ram Meghwal, praised the initiatives and technological interventions unveiled during the conference. He also released Nyay Ke Swar , a compilation of artworks, poems, and creative expressions inspired by the legal services movement. Justice Manmohan, Judge of the , contributed to the discourse by highlighting as an effective, people-centric mechanism for . He formally launched the Justice for Children Fellowship Programme, a collaborative initiative of MPSLSA, , and .
The Certificate Course: A New Pathway
The formal opening of the admission portal for the three-month Certificate Course on was a key highlight of the conference. The portal was launched by Justice Satish Chandra Sharma, Judge of the , in the presence of DNLU Vice-Chancellor Prof. (Dr.) Manoj Kumar Sinha and MPSLSA Member Secretary Suman Shrivastava. This course, introduced pursuant to an MoU between DNLU and MPSLSA, aims to develop a skilled cadre of trained mediators and institutionalize as an accessible mode of .
The curriculum is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of principles, techniques, and ethical considerations. It will likely appeal to law students, practicing lawyers, professionals, and anyone interested in . By combining academic rigor with practical training, the course seeks to fill a critical gap in the Indian legal education ecosystem—where formal training remains underdeveloped despite the growing emphasis on .
Legal Analysis: as a Cornerstone of
The launch of this course comes at a time when Indian courts are increasingly encouraging as a first resort for . The has repeatedly recognized ’s potential to reduce , preserve relationships, and provide a more participatory and less adversarial process. The course aligns with the constitutional mandate under Article 39A, which directs the State to secure that the operation of the legal system promotes justice on a basis of and ensures that no citizen is denied justice due to .
is particularly crucial for marginalized communities, who often face barriers in accessing formal courts—language, cost, and procedural complexity. By training a new cohort of mediators, the course directly contributes to the NALSA vision of providing free and competent legal services. Moreover, the involvement of paralegal volunteers, whom the CJI called "Nyaya Sainik," underscores the community-centric approach essential for effective . These volunteers, often the first point of contact for citizens, need robust training in to resolve disputes at the grassroots level.
The collaboration between a law university and a state legal services authority is noteworthy. It bridges the gap between academic institutions and the practical implementation of justice, ensuring that theoretical knowledge is translated into tangible social impact. This model could serve as a template for other states and law schools, catalyzing a nationwide movement toward institutionalized training.
Impact on Legal Practice and the Justice System
The impact of this initiative is expected to be multifaceted. For legal practitioners, the course offers an opportunity to diversify their skill sets and embrace as a lucrative and fulfilling practice area. For the justice system, a larger pool of trained mediators can alleviate the burden on overloaded courts, expedite , and enhance public trust in the legal process. Moreover, the integration of into legal education at the university level ensures that future lawyers are familiar with from the outset of their careers.
The course also has practical implications for the landscape. By equipping paralegal volunteers and lawyers with skills, the initiative strengthens the grassroots infrastructure that is vital for delivering justice to the last mile. This is particularly relevant in rural and semi-urban areas, where formal judicial mechanisms are often inaccessible or delayed.
Conclusion
The launch of the Certificate Course on by DNLU and MPSLSA represents a forward-looking step in the evolution of India's legal services framework. By combining the resources of a premier law university and a state legal services authority, the initiative promises to create a new generation of mediators who can transform conflict into consensus. As Chief Justice Surya Kant rightly noted, is not merely about procedures—it is about empathy, dignity, and inclusion. This course embodies those values, offering a practical pathway toward a more accessible, equitable, and harmonious justice system. With the admissions portal now open, the first cohort of trainees will soon embark on a journey that could reshape the landscape in India.
