Odisha hosts 2nd National Mediation Conference to explore alternative dispute resolution methods

Odisha is hosting the second edition of the National Mediation Conference in Bhubaneswar, aimed at exploring strategies to resolve various pending cases through mediation or alternative dispute resolution methods. 

The conference has drawn the participation of 17 Chief Justices from different High Courts across the country, including the Chief Justice of India.

Discussions at the conference are focused on how millions of cases pending in courts can be resolved efficiently through mediation, with the primary objective of creating public awareness about this process. Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of India, B R Gavai, is also attending the event.

Around 200 delegates, including mediation specialists, are participating, alongside Chief Justices from nearly all High Courts in India. The two-day conference is scheduled to continue today and tomorrow. Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal is also present at the event.

As per sources, mediation is an alternative form of dispute resolution where an attempt is made to resolve differences between parties outside of the formal court system.

"Importance of themes such as mediation acquires crucial importance in this endeavour. Many souvenirs being published on the occasion capture the essence and spirit of mediation as a potent alternative dispute resolution mechanism," said Pitambar Acharya, Advocate General, Odisha.