📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Ministry of Law and Justice
National
Government Pushes Mediation to Curb Court Backlog, 1,394 Centres Now Active
✍️ DD News
🗓 11 Oct 2026, 04:38 AM
👁 10
The central government is urging parties to use mediation, with 1,394 mediation centres now operating nationwide to ease the overburdened judiciary.
New Delhi – The Ministry of Law and Justice has launched a renewed drive to promote out‑of‑court settlement through mediation, aiming to relieve the chronic backlog in Indian courts. Officials say the strategy encourages disputants to resolve matters amicably before filing formal suits, thereby cutting litigation costs and time.
As of the latest count, 1,394 mediation centres are functional across the country, spanning major metros and smaller towns alike. These centres are staffed by trained mediators who facilitate dialogue between parties under the supervision of the judiciary.
The government expects the network to handle a growing share of civil and commercial disputes, reducing the pressure on overtaxed judges and courts. It has also announced awareness campaigns and capacity‑building programmes for legal professionals to integrate mediation into routine case management.
Stakeholders, including bar associations, have welcomed the move, noting that mediation can deliver faster, mutually acceptable outcomes while preserving relationships. The ministry plans to monitor the centres' performance and expand the network in the coming years.
As of the latest count, 1,394 mediation centres are functional across the country, spanning major metros and smaller towns alike. These centres are staffed by trained mediators who facilitate dialogue between parties under the supervision of the judiciary.
The government expects the network to handle a growing share of civil and commercial disputes, reducing the pressure on overtaxed judges and courts. It has also announced awareness campaigns and capacity‑building programmes for legal professionals to integrate mediation into routine case management.
Stakeholders, including bar associations, have welcomed the move, noting that mediation can deliver faster, mutually acceptable outcomes while preserving relationships. The ministry plans to monitor the centres' performance and expand the network in the coming years.