Jaipur Hosts Global Legal Summit as Experts Champion Mediation Over Litigation

Jaipur. The historic city of Jaipur has become the epicenter of global legal discourse as it hosts the three-day Commonwealth Peace Mediation and Rule of Law conference. The event, which commenced at Hotel The Lalit, brings together distinguished judges, policymakers, and legal experts from across the Commonwealth to explore innovative dispute resolution mechanisms. Supreme Court Justice Surya Kant officially inaugurated the summit, highlighting the traditional Indian panchayat system as a foundational model for alternative dispute resolution that prioritizes consensus over confrontation.

Addressing the gathering, Justice Surya Kant drew a parallel between the architectural harmony of Jaipur and the mediation process, asserting that neither party should dominate the other in a fair settlement. He emphasized that while online dispute resolution is becoming increasingly vital in modern infrastructure and commercial sectors, it must be strictly managed by trained professionals to ensure integrity. The conference serves as a platform to integrate these traditional values with modern technological advancements in the justice system.

Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma underscored the necessity of mediation in contemporary society, describing it as a vital tool rather than a mere alternative. He noted that while traditional litigation often results in a winner and a loser, mediation fosters lasting harmony by eliminating the bitterness and mistrust that frequently plague long-standing disputes. The Chief Minister highlighted Rajasthan's successful track record in resolving thousands of cases through legal aid and mediation, reaffirming the state government's commitment to accessible justice.

Union Minister of State for Law and Justice Arjun Ram Meghwal remarked that peace and the rule of law are no longer just judicial concepts but are now essential pillars of global economic progress and sustainable development. Attorney General R. Venkataramani and Solicitor General Tushar Mehta also spoke on the importance of fairness and dialogue within the Indian legal tradition, which has historically favored reconciliation.

Acting Chief Justice of the Rajasthan High Court, Justice Sanjeev Prakash Sharma, welcomed the delegates and pointed to initiatives like the 'Mediation for Nation' campaign as evidence of the country's progress in modernizing the justice delivery system. The event also featured the release of a commemorative volume honoring the late Justice Dwarka Prasad Gupta. The summit concluded its opening phase with the signing of the Jaipur Declaration, a collective pledge by international delegates to strengthen mediation as a globally accepted and accessible mechanism for social harmony and international cooperation.