Himbumail Bureau | Shimla | July 8, 2025
In a major move to declog Indian courts and promote amicable settlements, the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA), along with the Mediation and Conciliation Project Committee (MCPC) of the Hon’ble Supreme Court, has launched a countrywide “Mediation for the Nation” campaign. The 90-day mediation drive, which kicked off on July 1, 2025, will run through September 30, spanning courts from Taluka to High Court level.
At the heart of this initiative lies the effort to resolve lakhs of pending cases through dialogue, not litigation.
Matrimonial disputes, cheque bounce matters, land acquisition cases, service matters, and even compoundable criminal offences are on the priority list for referral to mediation.
“This campaign is not just about reducing the case backlog. It is about giving people a faster, cheaper, and more dignified way to settle disputes,” says Ranjeet Singh, District & Sessions Judge and Member Secretary of the Himachal Pradesh Legal Services Authority (HPLSA).
🔹 Disputes in Focus
The campaign identifies a wide range of cases eligible for mediation, including:
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Matrimonial Disputes – where families are torn between courts and personal trauma.
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Cheque Bounce Cases – under Section 138 of the NI Act, which form a significant chunk of pendency.
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Motor Accident Claims – that often involve desperate survivors awaiting fair compensation.
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Land Acquisition & Partition Suits – particularly relevant for a state like Himachal where land disputes are common.
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Consumer, Commercial and Service Matters – often prolonged due to technicalities in trial.
“Courts can only go so far. Mediation offers flexibility, privacy, and a collaborative spirit, which litigation simply cannot,” Singh noted, urging both litigants and lawyers to consider this route seriously.
🔹 Modes: Offline, Online, or Hybrid
To make mediation more accessible, sessions will be held in offline, virtual, or hybrid modes, depending on what suits the parties best. The campaign actively encourages participation of all trained and accredited mediators.
🔹 Media’s Role: Key to Success
HPLSA has also appealed to print and electronic media to widely publicize the initiative. “We see the media as an essential partner in raising awareness. Without public knowledge, this campaign won’t reach the people who need it most,” said Singh.
In Shimla and across Himachal Pradesh, district-level legal services authorities have already started identifying eligible cases and persuading litigants to opt for mediation. Posters, radio jingles, and even WhatsApp messages are being used to reach the remotest litigant.
🔹 Why it Matters
India’s judiciary is overwhelmed with over 5 crore pending cases, and Himachal Pradesh alone faces thousands of unresolved civil and compoundable criminal disputes that can easily be resolved through facilitated dialogue.
“This campaign is our collective attempt to bring peace to people’s lives—without the agony of courtrooms. We’re not just settling cases, we’re restoring relationships,” said Singh with conviction.
If successful, the Mediation for the Nation drive may well redefine the way justice is accessed in India—less confrontational, more collaborative.
(For details or to opt for mediation, contact your nearest District Legal Services Authority or visit www.nalsa.gov.in)
