Insights from Day Two of the Commonwealth Peace Mediation Conference 2026

Day Two Highlights of the Commonwealth Peace Mediation Conference 2026

Judicial Experts Share Insights

Jaipur. The second day of the three-day "Commonwealth Peace Mediation Conference 2026: Peace Mediation and the Rule of Law" was held at The Lalit Hotel, Jaipur, organized by the Rajasthan State Legal Services Authority (RSLSA), Commonwealth Lawyers Association (CLA), Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA), and the Supreme Court Mediators. The discussions focused on integrating mediation into the judicial system, ensuring quick and amicable dispute resolution, and facilitating effective access to justice.

The conference featured judges, legal experts, and mediation specialists from India and Commonwealth nations, who emphasized the necessity of mediation for the future of the justice system.

Transformative Journey of Mediation Highlighted by Advocate General

The day commenced with a welcome address by Rajasthan's Advocate General, Mr. Rajendra Prasad, who stated that law and justice are not static concepts but systems that evolve over time. He clarified the distinction between general mediation and peace mediation, noting that while general mediation addresses specific disputes, peace mediation fosters trust, dialogue, and cooperation among societies and nations. He described the conference as the beginning of a transformative journey promoting global dialogue and collaboration.

Human Aspect of Mediation Emphasized by Justice Dr. Pushpendra Singh Bhati

Justice Dr. Pushpendra Singh Bhati of the Rajasthan High Court shared a poignant story about a child reunited with his parents through mediation, highlighting the emotional and human impact of mediation. He noted that the consequences of failed mediation can sometimes be more severe than the outcomes of civil litigation, asserting that mediation is not merely a legal process but a system based on trust, sensitivity, and human values, complementing peace.

Strengthening Institutional Mediation Stressed by Acting Chief Justice

Acting Chief Justice and Executive Chairman of RSLSA, Justice Sanjeev Prakash Sharma, announced a historic 40-hour mediation training program for former High Court judges, which took place in June 2026, with participation from 38 former judges. He emphasized the need to make pre-arbitration mediation mandatory and discussed the 'Mediation for the Nation' programs.

He pointed out that in a rapidly evolving digital economy, where trade and legal processes between countries are becoming increasingly complex, mediation is emerging as the fastest, most practical, and future-oriented means of dispute resolution.

Deputy Chief Minister Praises Legal Aid Initiatives

Rajasthan's Deputy Chief Minister, Mr. Premchand Baidwa, commended the public courts and free legal aid programs organized by RSLSA, stating that justice should not be confined to court decisions but should be based on dialogue, compassion, consensus, and social inclusion. He noted that mediation is an effective means of building trust in society and making justice more accessible.

Justice Vijay Bishnoi Advocates for Mediation as the First Option

Justice Vijay Bishnoi of the Supreme Court of India argued that mediation should not be viewed as a last resort for dispute resolution but as the first natural option. He explained that while litigation often determines winners and losers, mediation provides balanced and acceptable solutions that protect the interests of both parties, making the process more humane, participatory, and effective.

Chief Justice Identifies Mediation as a Central Pillar of Justice

Chief Justice of India, Justice Suryakant, stated that mediation has evolved from being merely an alternative dispute resolution system to a crucial pillar of the justice system, with its utility continuously increasing. He emphasized the need for the justice system to be more sensitive, participatory, and practical amidst rapid changes in society, business, technology, and international relations, where mediation plays a vital role.

He explained that while litigation often aims to resolve disputes, mediation seeks to understand the root causes and develop mutually acceptable solutions for all parties involved. This is why mediation is increasingly recognized worldwide as an effective means of providing simple, quick, and cost-effective access to justice.

Promotion of Collaborative Justice Systems

Chief Justice Suryakant noted that permanent public courts, conciliation, traditional panchayat systems, and various alternative dispute resolution mechanisms developed with the cooperation of the Supreme Court and bar associations can enhance the effectiveness of the justice system. He stressed that justice should not be limited to delivering verdicts but should also serve as a medium for establishing trust, dialogue, and harmony within society.

Technical Sessions Explored Various Aspects of Mediation

Following the presidential session, Ms. Nandini Gore, Secretary-General of the Mediation, expressed gratitude. Subsequently, thematic technical sessions on various aspects of mediation were conducted with the participation of judges and legal experts from Commonwealth countries.

Focus on Dialogue and Trust in Family Disputes

The first technical session centered on "Mediation for Family Harmony," chaired by Justice Anuroop Singhi of the Rajasthan High Court, with Ms. Veena Ralli serving as moderator. The panel included Mr. Gokul Narayan, Mr. Shirin Khajuria, and Ms. Priya Hingorani. Speakers emphasized that family mediation not only resolves legal disputes but also restores trust, dialogue, dignity, and mutual consent within families, strengthening relationships.

Increasing Role of Mediation in Criminal Justice System Discussed

The second session was chaired by Justice Amma Patel of the Supreme Court of Zambia. The panel included Mr. A.J. Jawad, Mr. Prashant Barua (Bangladesh/UK), Ms. Wimbai Niyamba (Zimbabwe), and Mr. Jitendra Sharma. The discussion highlighted the growing role of mediation in the criminal justice system, emphasizing victim participation, dialogue, accountability, and community healing as essential foundations for a more humane justice system.

Utility of Mediation in Commercial and Cross-Border Disputes

The third session was chaired by Justice Arun Monga of the Rajasthan High Court, with Mr. Jaideep Gupta serving as session chair. The panel included Mr. Amir Ali (Hong Kong), Mr. Patrick McFilaghy (USA), and Mr. Rajiv Dutta. Experts noted that mediation not only resolves commercial disputes but also safeguards long-term business relationships, with its utility continuously increasing in international trade, cross-border commerce, and the digital economy.

Discussion on Workplace and Service-Related Disputes

The fourth session was chaired by Justice Dr. Pushpendra Singh Bhati of the Rajasthan High Court. The panel included Mr. Jonathan Rodrigues, Ms. Purna Anand, and Ms. Neelmani Gandhi. Speakers highlighted the need to promote respect, dignity, and a collaborative work culture in resolving workplace and service-related disputes through mediation.

Need for Timely Solutions in Infrastructure Projects

The fifth and final technical session was chaired by Justice A.H.M.D. Nawaz of the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka. The panel included Mr. Joe Tirado (UK), Mr. Vikas Singh, Mr. Rishabh Gandhi, and Ms. Nandini Gore. The discussion emphasized the role of mediation in infrastructure and public projects, with speakers noting that mediation helps reduce unnecessary delays and disputes, facilitating collaborative development and timely project implementation, which is crucial for sustainable national development.

Mediation's Central Role in Global Justice System Reaffirmed

On the second day of the conference, the judiciary and legal experts reiterated their commitment to making mediation an integral part of the global justice system. The conference emphasized that mediation not only ensures simple, quick, and accessible justice but also strengthens dialogue, trust, and harmony within society.