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Key Points

President Murmu emphasized the need to extend mediation mechanisms to rural areas, empowering Panchayats for conflict resolution. She linked effective dispute resolution to social harmony and national progress. The Mediation Act 2023 was praised as a step toward India’s justice delivery legacy. The conference was framed as a call to action for accessible mediation nationwide.

Key Points: President Murmu Urges Mediation Act Expansion to Rural Panchayats

  • Murmu highlights Mediation Act 2023 as key to justice delivery
  • Stresses rural mediation via empowered Panchayats
  • Calls mediation a societal imperative, not just legal
  • Links dispute resolution to national harmony and progress
2 min read

Dispute resolution mechanism under Mediation Act should be extended to rural areas: President Murmu

President Murmu advocates extending mediation mechanisms to villages, empowering Panchayats for conflict resolution and social harmony.

"Mediation fosters dialogue, understanding and collaboration. These values are essential for building a harmonious and progressive nation. - President Droupadi Murmu"

New Delhi, May 4

President Droupadi Murmu on Saturday said that Mediation Act, 2023, was the first step in consolidating the civilisational legacy.

The president was addressing the First National Mediation Conference 2025 in New Delhi.

"Now we need to add momentum to it and strengthen its practice. She emphasised that the dispute resolution mechanism under the Mediation Act should be effectively extended to rural areas so that the Panchayats are legally empowered to mediate and resolve the conflicts in villages. Social harmony in villages is an essential prerequisite of making the nation strong," President said.

The President said that mediation is an essential part of the delivery of justice, which is at the heart of the Constitution of India - our founding text.

The President said that India has a long and rich tradition of judicial mechanisms in which out-of-court settlements were more of a norm than exception.

"The institution of Panchayat is legendary for fostering amicable resolutions. The Panchayat's endeavour was not only to resolve the dispute but also to remove any bitterness among the parties about it. It was a pillar of social harmony for us," she said.

The President said that the First National Mediation Conference is not a mere ceremonial event; it is a call to action. It calls upon us to collectively shape the future of mediation in India -- by nurturing trust, building professional capabilities, and making mediation accessible to every citizen, across all sections of society.

The President Murmu added that we should see effective dispute and conflict resolution as not merely a legal necessity but a societal imperative.

"Mediation fosters dialogue, understanding and collaboration. These values are essential for building a harmonious and progressive nation. It will lead to the emergence of a conflict-resilient, inclusive and harmonious society," she said.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
This is a much-needed initiative! Our villages have traditionally relied on panchayats for dispute resolution. Giving them legal backing under the Mediation Act will strengthen grassroots justice. Hope the government provides proper training to panchayat members. 🙏
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Priya M.
While I appreciate the sentiment, I worry about implementation. Many rural areas lack basic infrastructure - how will they access mediation training? The government must first bridge the urban-rural divide before expecting panchayats to handle legal mediation effectively.
A
Arjun S.
Our President is absolutely right! India's ancient panchayat system was way ahead of its time. Modern mediation combined with traditional wisdom can create a unique Indian model of justice. Just hope political interference doesn't spoil this noble initiative.
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Neha T.
Great move! This will reduce burden on our overworked courts. My village in Bihar still settles most disputes through panchayats. With legal recognition, women and marginalized groups might get fairer treatment. Fingers crossed! 🤞
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Vikram J.
The idea is good but implementation will be tough. Many panchayats are dominated by powerful families who might misuse this authority. Need strong safeguards and oversight mechanisms to prevent injustice at village level.
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Sunita R.
As someone who works with rural women's groups, I see both opportunity and risk here. Mediation can help resolve domestic disputes peacefully, but we must ensure women's voices aren't suppressed in traditional panchayat settings. Training on gender sensitivity is crucial!

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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