Vijayawada, March 1 Mediation in the country is no longer limited to halls or exclusive clubs, but has reached the very heart of villages and streets, Chief Justice of India Surya Kant said on Sunday.
Addressing a symposium on mediation here, Justice Kant asserted that mediation is deeply ingrained in India's DNA and has historically been an effective mode of dispute resolution.
"Mediation, as you all know, is something that is part of our DNA… And now, mediation in India is not only in discussions within halls or within exclusive clubs or in urban areas. Mediation has entered villages. Mediation has entered the streets. Mediation has entered households where unfortunate disputes exist."
Highlighting its cultural significance, he referenced Lord Krishna as the first codified mediator who tried to resolve the conflict between the two warring groups in the Mahabharata.
The story where Lord Krishna failed to mediate between the two warring groups conveys a crucial point that prompts introspection and emphasizes the importance of mediation.
According to Justice Kant, the country is growing, so are the economy, startups, new industries, big industries, and commercial entities are entering the market. When commerce enters, disputes are natural.
"Therefore, commercial entities and business people are preferring mediation because not only is the dispute resolved, but also maintains their relationship intact for future business transactions," he asserted.
The temperament, conduct, integrity, and mediation culture of the mediators play a very vital role in the success of the mediation, he opined.
Justice Kant mentioned that three things, the trained mediators should keep in mind are that the parties must have trust and faith in the mediator, the second is the faith in the institution where the mediator is appointed and the final one is the enforceability of the mediation terms and conditions once the parties settle down.