Rajasthan State Legal Services Authority Inaugurates 'Jaipur Arbitration & Mediation Centre' To Strengthen ADR & Hybrid Dispute Resolution Framework

The programme was conducted under the leadership of Justice Sanjeev Prakash Sharma, Acting Chief Justice of the Rajasthan High Court and Executive Chairman, RSLSA. The event was coordinated by Hari Om Attri, Member Secretary, RSLSA.

The inaugural ceremony was attended by Justice Inderjeet Singh, Judge, Rajasthan High Court, other Judges of the Rajasthan High Court, Justice Jasraj Chopra and his family members, former Judges, Chairpersons and Secretaries of District Legal Services Authorities, judicial officers, Members of the Bar and media representatives.

During the event, Justice Jasraj Chopra and his family members were felicitated for their contribution towards the establishment of the Centre. A dedicated pro bono hall named the “Jasraj Chopra Arbitration Hall” was established through his contribution.

The Jaipur Arbitration & Mediation Centre includes designated mediation chambers such as Yukti Kaksh, Maitri Kaksh, Vivek Kaksh, Vidhan Kaksh, Samadhan Kaksh, Pragya Kaksh, Samta Kaksh and Samatva Kaksh, along with arbitration halls including Sulah, Sauhard, Sarthak, Sehmati, Samanjasya and Samanvay. The rooms have been equipped for hybrid mode hearings and are Wi-Fi enabled to facilitate technology-enabled dispute resolution.

Delivering the keynote address, Justice Sandeep Mehta emphasised the growing importance of arbitration and mediation in ensuring accessible, efficient and humane justice delivery systems. He observed that ADR mechanisms provide a vital parallel framework that reduces pressure on conventional courts and enables litigants to actively participate in dispute resolution. He further stated that the newly inaugurated Centre reflects the judiciary's proactive approach towards evolving legal needs by providing a structured environment for speedy and cost-effective resolution of commercial and civil disputes.

Justice Mehta further highlighted that mediation promotes mutual respect, dialogue and reconciliation, unlike conventional litigation which may strain personal and commercial relationships. He observed that the success of the Centre would ultimately be measured by preservation of social harmony and delivery of substantive justice. He also urged judicial officers, mediators and legal practitioners to actively promote ADR mechanisms.

In his welcome address, Justice Sanjeev Prakash Sharma stated that the inauguration symbolises the increasing recognition that the justice delivery system must provide timely and meaningful methods of dispute resolution. He observed that arbitration offers an efficient mechanism for commercial and specialised disputes, while mediation facilitates dialogue and preservation of relationships.

Referring to observations of Justice Surya Kant, Chief Justice of India, Justice Sharma stressed the need to develop a strong “mediation culture” and stated that mediation should be treated as an integral part of the justice delivery system rather than merely an alternative mechanism.

Justice Sharma also highlighted RSLSA's technological initiatives, including the “e-Samadhan” Digital Mediation Platform and Digital Lok Adalat Platform launched during the National Cyber Security Conference held in Jaipur on February 20, 2026. He stated that the digital platform enables online case initiation, issuance of notices, scheduling of hearings, exchange of documents and electronic settlement recording.

Highlighting the mediation infrastructure in Rajasthan, Justice Sharma stated that 180 mediation centres are presently operational across the State and that Rajasthan currently has 2430 mediators, including 848 trained mediators, while several others are undergoing training.

Hari Om Attri, Member Secretary, RSLSA, outlined several grassroots initiatives undertaken by the Authority. He introduced the “Court Wali Didi” initiative, under which complaint boxes are placed in schools to provide students with a secure platform to register grievances. He also highlighted the “Transformative Tuesday” programme under which judicial officers visit schools for legal awareness interactions.

He further highlighted the “Srijan Ki Suraksha Yojana”, under which more than 9000 saplings have been planted on the birth of every girl child in adopted Panchayats across Rajasthan. Under the initiative, 11 saplings are planted for every girl child born in every district. A “Green Girl Card” is also provided to facilitate medical, educational, legal and welfare services.

Attri also discussed the “UDAAN” initiative for specially abled children aimed at promoting awareness, inclusion and empowerment through sports and activity-based competitions. He stated that scholarships for specially abled students have also been introduced through the RSLSA Cost Fund.

Additionally, he highlighted the publication of “Nyay Ro Sarthi”, a legal newsletter published in newspapers including Dainik Bhaskar and Rajasthan Patrika to spread legal awareness through CSR contributions without using NALSA or RSLSA funds.

The programme also included presentations by Secretaries of District Legal Services Authorities on legal aid and ADR initiatives across Rajasthan. Sharad Kumar Vyas, Secretary, DLSA Churu, presented the “Nyay Ri Jhopdi & School Awareness Drive”; Pawan Jinwal, Secretary, DLSA Jaipur District, discussed institutional inspections by Legal Services Authorities; and Mandvi Rajvi, Secretary, DLSA Bikaner, delivered a presentation on the “PLA Campaign by RSLSA – Srijan Ki Suraksha Yojna”.

Presenting the vote of thanks, Justice Inderjeet Singh expressed gratitude to Justice Sandeep Mehta, Justice Sanjeev Prakash Sharma, Judges of the Rajasthan High Court, Justice Jasraj Chopra and his family members, judicial officers, Members of the Bar, media representatives and organising teams for their presence and contributions.

The inauguration of the Jaipur Arbitration & Mediation Centre marks a significant milestone in strengthening alternative dispute resolution and technology-enabled justice delivery mechanisms in Rajasthan and reflects RSLSA's commitment towards building an efficient, accessible and people-centric justice system.