Supreme Court sets up virtual mediation rooms with children's facility

Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna, on his last working day (May 13, 2025), inaugurated a newly established mediation facility with integrated virtual access and a dedicated children’s room at the Supreme Court Legal Services Committee (SCLSC) premises in the Supreme Court Administrative Buildings Complex..Chief Justice of India-Designate and Executive Chairman of NALSA, Justice B.R. Gavai, and Justice Surya Kant, Judge of the Supreme Court and Chairman of the SCLSC, along with other companion judges of the Supreme Court were also present during the inauguration ceremony. .The virtual mediation facility allows parties to participate in mediation sessions from different locations, ensuring greater flexibility and convenience. This approach is expected to expedite dispute resolution, particularly for parties in remote areas or those with mobility challenges. The facility aligns with the Supreme Court’s broader push for technological integration in the judicial process, as seen in the recent launch of an online mediation training portal in collaboration with the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) and the Mediation and Conciliation Project Committee (MCPC)..The mediation rooms have been designed to align with the principles of the Mediation Act, 2023, which institutionalized mediation within India’s judicial framework, emphasizing pre-litigation and court-annexed mediation to reduce the burden on regular courts. The act also underscores the importance of integrating technology to streamline mediation processes, ensuring more efficient and time-bound resolution of disputes.In addition to the mediation room, a dedicated children’s area has been established to provide a safe and welcoming space for minors involved in family disputes. This reflects a sensitive approach to child welfare in legal proceedings, acknowledging the unique needs of young individuals in the justice system..The Supreme Court’s efforts to incorporate virtual mediation and child-friendly spaces are part of a larger strategy to address the judiciary’s backlog of nearly 4 crore cases. By promoting alternative dispute resolution mechanisms and embracing digital platforms, the judiciary aims to streamline case management, reduce delays, and improve overall access to justice.