Rajasthan Sets ADR Benchmark, Settling Over 20,000 Cases in 90-Day Mediation Drive

Jaipur, Rajasthan – In a remarkable demonstration of judicial efficiency and commitment to Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), the Rajasthan High Court, in collaboration with its subordinate judiciary, has successfully settled 20,724 cases in just 90 days. This achievement was the highlight of the nationwide special mediation drive, 'Mediation For The Nation', a flagship initiative by the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) and the Supreme Court's Mediation and Conciliation Project Committee (MCPC).

The campaign, which ran from July 1 to September 30, 2025, was conceived to tackle the persistent issue of judicial backlog by promoting amicable settlements. Under the strategic guidance of Justice Sanjeev Prakash Sharma, the Acting Chief Justice of the Rajasthan High Court and Executive Chairman of the Rajasthan State Legal Services Authority (RSLSA), the state’s judiciary adopted a proactive and systematic approach that has yielded one of the best performances among all State Legal Services Authorities (SLSAs).

The concerted effort not only provided relief to thousands of litigants, many of whom were embroiled in years-long disputes, but also reinforced the growing trust in mediation as a viable, effective, and humane alternative to traditional adversarial litigation.

A Proactive Strategy: The Numbers Behind the Success

The foundation of Rajasthan's success was a highly proactive case referral strategy. During the 90-day period, an unprecedented 1,52,436 cases were identified and referred to mediation centres across the state by the High Court, District Courts, and Taluka Courts. This large-scale referral indicates a significant institutional shift towards embedding mediation into the mainstream justice delivery system.

The final settlement figure of 20,724 cases represents a substantial success rate among the matters taken up for mediation, underscoring the efficacy of the process when pursued with institutional backing. The RSLSA, which spearheaded the drive's implementation, noted that this milestone is "a testament to the dedication of mediators and the judiciary's commitment to prioritizing peace over adversarial litigation."

Furthermore, the drive has created a positive ripple effect. Nearly 30,000 of the referred cases are still undergoing mediation, with trained mediators continuing their efforts to facilitate amicable resolutions. This ongoing engagement suggests that the campaign's impact will extend well beyond its official conclusion.

To support this massive undertaking, the state’s ADR infrastructure was significantly bolstered. Rajasthan currently operates 180 mediation centres staffed by 1,017 trained mediators. An additional 217 new mediators were empaneled specifically for the drive, with further appointments already in process to meet the rising demand.

The Legal and Systemic Implications of the Drive

The success of the 'Mediation For The Nation' campaign in Rajasthan carries profound implications for the Indian legal system, offering a replicable model for other states grappling with overwhelming caseloads.

1. Mainstreaming ADR: For years, ADR has been viewed as a secondary or alternative path. This initiative demonstrates a paradigm shift, positioning mediation as a parallel and equally important track for justice delivery. By referring over 1.5 lakh cases, the Rajasthan judiciary has sent a clear message that mediation is not just an option but a preferred route for resolving a vast category of disputes. This institutional endorsement is crucial for building confidence among both litigants and the legal fraternity.

2. Enhancing Access to Justice: The campaign's focus on cost-effective, confidential, and mutually satisfactory resolutions directly addresses key barriers to justice. Protracted litigation is often a war of attrition, favouring those with deeper pockets and greater stamina. Mediation levels the playing field, offering a quicker and less expensive path to closure. The RSLSA has opened its doors for continuous referrals, ensuring that the benefits of the drive become a permanent feature of the state's legal landscape. Litigants are encouraged to contact mediation centres or use the RSLSA helpline (9928900900) to explore settlement options.

3. Judicial Decongestion and Efficiency: The settlement of over 20,000 cases directly removes them from the dockets of overburdened courts. This not only provides immediate relief to the litigants involved but also frees up valuable judicial time and resources. This allows judges to focus on more complex cases that require intricate legal interpretation and adjudication, thereby improving the overall efficiency and quality of the justice system.

4. The Human-Centric Approach to Justice: At its core, the campaign's success lies in its human-centric philosophy. It prioritizes reconciliation over conflict and preserves relationships that are often irrevocably damaged in adversarial proceedings. By facilitating dialogue and mutual understanding, mediation helps maintain social harmony, a goal that is as important as the legal adjudication of rights. As the source material notes, this is "vital for maintaining social harmony."

Innovations and The Path Forward

The RSLSA, with its Member Secretary acting as the Nodal Officer, employed several innovative measures to ensure the drive's effectiveness. These included the use of online mediation to overcome geographical barriers, targeted settlement drives for specific categories of cases, and personalized follow-ups to keep the momentum going. This blend of traditional methods and modern technology proved highly effective.

Inspired by this success, the RSLSA has pledged to continue its efforts, aiming to make mediation a cornerstone of dispute resolution in the state. All mediation centres are poised to work in parallel with judicial courts, offering a continuous avenue for litigants seeking amicable settlements.

The Rajasthan model serves as a compelling case study for the rest of the country. It proves that with strong judicial leadership, a robust institutional framework, a dedicated cadre of trained mediators, and proactive engagement with litigants, the challenge of judicial pendency can be met head-on. The 'Mediation For The Nation' drive is more than just a successful campaign; it is a significant step towards building a more accessible, efficient, and compassionate justice system for all.