Mumbai, Feb 15: Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna highlighted on Saturday that not every dispute is appropriate for court proceedings or litigation, emphasizing that mediation is an effective method for resolution. He stated that mediation fosters creative solutions and strengthens relationships.
During the third convocation ceremony of the Maharashtra National Law University (MNLU) in Nagpur, he remarked that each case should be viewed through a human lens, rather than merely in terms of legal issues.
CJI Khanna noted that India boasts one of the most robust legal aid structures globally, providing assistance to all parties involved.
“Not all disputes are suited for courtrooms, litigation, or even arbitration. Mediation provides us with more than just a means of resolving disputes,” the CJI commented.
He pointed out that mediation opens avenues for innovative solutions that go beyond simple binary answers, promoting efficient conflict resolution while also enhancing relationships among individuals and businesses.
CJI Khanna emphasized that lawyers must act as problem solvers, devising creative solutions that address the legal and human aspects of conflicts.
“Just as problems can’t be confined to rigid categories, neither can their solutions be. As challenges become increasingly complex, our approaches must be more adaptable. The pursuit of justice should not become a barrier to attaining it,” he stated.
He encouraged everyone to think outside conventional frameworks and expand their perspectives to ensure that the delivery of justice is both cost-effective and timely.
Addressing contemporary challenges, he noted that today’s generation confronts issues that previous generations could hardly envision, such as climate change threatening both our environment and the core of human rights and social justice, as well as a digital transformation that introduces unprecedented concerns regarding privacy, security, and the nature of human interaction.
According to the CJI, democracy is being reshaped by new technologies and evolving social dynamics.
“These are not just abstract problems; they are fundamental challenges to humanity, dignity, and liberty that demand innovative solutions,” he stated.
He reiterated that India’s legal aid structure is one of the strongest in the world, offering support to both the accused and victims.
The Chief Justice highlighted that a combination of a robust legal aid framework and the enthusiasm of young lawyers could position India as a leader in accessibility.
During the event, Supreme Court Justice B R Gavai, who also serves as the Chancellor of the MNLU, expressed gratitude for the support from the state government in establishing the university.
“I would like to acknowledge the invaluable assistance provided by Devendra Fadnavis, the former Chief Minister of Maharashtra, as well as Uddhav Thackeray, who also served as Chief Minister,” Justice Gavai remarked. (PTI)
