Special mediation drive ‘For the Nation’ launched to settle pending cases through mediation

JAMMU: The National Legal Services Authority (NALSA), in association with the Mediation & Conciliation Project Committee (MCPC) of the Supreme Court of India, has conceptualized a Special Mediation Drive titled Mediation ‘For the Nation’. The initiative is being launched under the guidance of the Chief Justice of India and Justice Surya Kant, Judge, Supreme Court of India, who is also the Executive Chairman of NALSA and Chairman of MCPC.

The campaign is being rolled out across the country and will run from July 1 to September 22, 2025 as an intensive drive to settle pending cases through mediation. It will cover Taluka Courts, District Courts and High Courts across India. A meeting was chaired by Y. P. Bourney, Principal District and Sessions Judge Jammu/ Chairman District Legal Services Authority, Jammu at his office chamber with the Judicial Officers of District Headquarters Jammu regarding the Special Mediation Drive- "Mediation for the Nation".

The campaign aims to settle pending cases through mediation in all Taluka Courts, District Courts and High Courts of India. The Principal District and Sessions Judge briefed the Judicial Officers on the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) and timeline for the campaign. He discussed that campaign's objective is to reduce pending cases and court backlog, provide an alternative dispute resolution mechanism, save time and costs for litigants, promote amicable settlements, and enhance access to justice.

Later, the information was also shared by Y. P. Bourney, Principal District and Sessions Judge and Chairman, District Legal Services Authority, Jammu, while interacting with media personnel. During the special campaign, all matters that contain elements of settlement may be referred for mediation. These include cases pending under various categories such as matrimonial disputes, accident claims, domestic violence, cheque bounce, commercial disputes, service matters, criminal compoundable offences, consumer disputes, debt recovery, partition, eviction, land acquisition and other suitable civil matters.

Principal District and Sessions Judge, Y. P. Bourney further informed that all courts in District Jammu will take up eligible cases for disposal through the mediation process during the campaign period. He urged the general public to take advantage of this opportunity to resolve their long-pending disputes amicably and efficiently through mediation. Litigants can approach their concerned courts to have their cases listed before the mediation panel.

Also, the Pr. Distt. & Sessions Judge Jammu convened a meeting with President Bar Association Jammu and conveyed Lawyer fraternity about the ongoing special campaign i.e. Mediation for the Nation and sought full cooperation of the Lawyers. The President, Bar Association Jammu assured full cooperation in ensuring this Special Campaign a success.