CJI Sanjiv Khanna inaugurates virtual mediation and child-friendly facility to promote accessible dispute resolution at Supreme Court Legal Services Committee.
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Supreme Court of India inaugurates virtual mediation rooms with Child friendly Courts facility to boost Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) .Launch of Virtual Mediation and Child Facility at Supreme Court of India.
Overview
On 13th May 2025 Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna inaugurated a state-of-the-art virtual mediation facility and dedicated child friendly room at the Supreme Court Legal Services Committee premises . This was one of his last official duties before retirement . The inauguration was attended by CJI-designate Justice BR Gavai, Justice Surya Kant and other Supreme Court of India judges . The move is a strategic step toward digitising Alternative Dispute Resolution mechanisms for inclusivity for remote parties and children involved in family disputes .
Key Aspects
This initiative aims to modernise mediation and make it more accessible and child-sensitive .
- Virtual mediation facility permits participation from different locations increasing flexibility and speed .
- Child friendly Courts feature includes a dedicated room for minors in family disputes .
- Part of judiciary’s broader plan to address 4 crore+ pending cases .
- Supports parties with mobility issues or those living in remote areas .
- Enhances comfort particularly in sensitive family matters .
Legal Insights
The initiative is aligned with the judiciary’s technological advancement and legal reforms .
- Based on Mediation Act, 2023 which institutionalizes mediation in courts .
- Encourages pre-litigation and court-annexed mediation to reduce case burden .
- Promotes integration of technology in judicial processes .
- Reflects India’s commitment to Child friendly Courts and child rights .
Conclusion
While not a legal verdict the Supreme Court of India’s launch of virtual mediation rooms and Child friendly Courts is a landmark administrative decision that strengthens the nation’s Alternative Dispute Resolution structure and ensures more inclusive, faster and sensitive access to justice .
Source- Supreme Court of India
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