CJI Surya Kant Advocates National Registry of Former Judges for Alternative Dispute Resolution
Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant advocated for a structured national registry of former judges willing to serve in Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms — including mediation, Lok Adalats, arbitration, and conciliation. The CJI emphasized that ADR is not a 'back door to justice' but for millions of Indians, it is the 'only door' — given the massive pending case burden in Indian courts. The registry would help institutionalize ADR and make experienced judicial expertise available to disputants outside formal courts.
Key Facts & Details
7 points- 1CJI Surya Kant proposes national registry of former judges willing to serve in ADR
- 2ADR mechanisms include mediation, Lok Adalats, arbitration, and conciliation
- 3CJI: 'For millions of Indians, ADR is not the back door — it is the only door'
Deep Dive
- +India has over 5 crore pending cases across all courts as of 2026
- +The Mediation Act, 2023 provides a statutory framework for mediation in India
- +Lok Adalat settlements are deemed decrees of civil courts and cannot be challenged
- +India adopted the Singapore Convention on Mediation (UN Convention) in 2019
Exam Focus
Likely MCQ: Lok Adalat awards are deemed what type of legal document? → Answer: Deemed decree of a civil court (not challengeable in courts)
Related Topics
Exam Relevance & Angle
Polity & Legal: Judiciary, ADR mechanisms, Lok Adalat, and access to justice.
Target Exams
Background & Context
Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant assumed office as the 52nd CJI in November 2024. The CJI is the head of India's judiciary and the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.
Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) refers to mechanisms for resolving disputes outside traditional courtrooms:
- Arbitration: Binding decision by a private arbitrator; governed by the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996
- Mediation: A neutral third party facilitates a voluntary agreement; now governed by the Mediation Act, 2023
- Conciliation: Less formal than arbitration; conciliator actively proposes solutions
- Lok Adalat: Voluntary settlement forum; awards are deemed decrees of civil courts and cannot be appealed; governed by the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987
India has a massive judicial backlog with over 5 crore pending cases across all courts. ADR is seen as crucial to reducing this burden.
NALSA (National Legal Services Authority) organizes Lok Adalats and promotes legal aid in India.
Related GK Concepts
Must KnowTest Yourself
1 / 3Lok Adalats in India are governed by which Act?
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