Justice Vinod S. Bhardwaj Highlights Mediation As A Key Instrument For Access To Justice At DBRANLU's Constitution Day Seminar
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar National Law University (DBRANLU) observed Constitution Day 2025 with a seminar that addressed one of India's most critical judicial challenges: court congestion. The event examined how alternative dispute resolution mechanisms can transform justice delivery while discussing Mediation as one of the major ways to impart Justice.
The session was graced by Mr. Justice Vinod S. Bhardwaj, Judge, Punjab and Haryana High Court who delivered the keynote address,discussing how mediation has evolved from an optional alternative into an indispensable component of modern judicial systems.
Justice Bhardwaj noted that mediation not only alleviates court congestion but also preserves relationships between disputants, thereby fostering social harmony. He commended DBRANLU's commitment to ADR education and encouraged students to pursue mediation as a viable career path.
Further, Dr. Rajiv Mani, Union Law Secretary and Secretary of the Department of Legislative Affairs, continued the session's address b as he outlined the government's comprehensive approach to institutionalizing ADR mechanisms. He described the Arbitration and Mediation legislation of 2023 as a transformative reform that fundamentally restructures legal processes into expeditious instruments of justice delivery.
Linking these reforms to India's broader developmental trajectory, he emphasized that the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 demands ambitious legislative advancements. He highlighted his department's focus on law publication and codification, constitutional amendments, and ADR framework development, noting that conciliation and mediation have now achieved primacy in contemporary legal discourse.
Later, Mr. Vinod Kumar, Honorary President of India SME Forum, addressed the gathering virtually, highlighting the particular relevance of ADR for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises. He explained that MSMEs can effectively overcome operational challenges through strategic mediation despite limited capital constraints.
He discussed that online ADR platforms provide specialized, solution-oriented alternatives that allow MSME stakeholders to concentrate on core business activities rather than enduring prolonged litigation. His insights illustrated how ADR facilitates both judicial decongestion and enhanced economic productivity.
The seminar concluded with significant announcements aimed at strengthening ADR education capacity. Prof. (Dr.) Devinder Singh, Vice-Chancellor of DBRANLU, unveiled plans for a 40-hour mediation training programme in collaboration with the Punjab and Haryana High Court, along with a dedicated student mediation centre. Both initiatives are expected to be operational within six months.
It also highlighted the university's expanding institutional partnerships, including collaboration with the Singapore International Arbitration Centre (SIAC) and an extended association with the Indian Institute of Arbitration and Mediation (IIAM), through which students will receive specialized arbitration training.
Special thanks was conveyed to Prof.(Dr.) Ashutosh Mishra, Registrar, DBRANLU for facilitating the event, which was widely praised by all the present dignitaries and attendees.