Mediation Now Central to Legal System: NLUO VC

Prof. Ved Kumari, Vice-Chancellor of National Law University Odisha, said mediation has evolved from being merely an alternative dispute resolution mechanism to becoming a central element of a responsive legal system.

Delivering the keynote address at the inauguration of a dedicated mediation centre at GITAM School of Law on Wednesday, she said embedding such centres within law schools would help nurture future lawyers with a stronger justice-oriented approach. She described the initiative as a step towards integrating alternative dispute resolution into mainstream legal education.

Errol D’Souza, Vice Chancellor of GITAM Deemed to be University, was also present.

The inauguration was followed by a panel discussion on “Mediation and Clinical Legal Education in India,” featuring Raman Mittal, Akshay Verma, Eluckiaa Asaithambi, and VRK Badarinath Nandula. The panel examined the conceptual foundations of mediation and its growing role in promoting social harmony, while also discussing challenges in implementing the Mediation Act, 2023.

Dean Rajendra Prasad, Director Moumita Sen, and founding faculty coordinator Chinmay outlined the centre’s objectives, stating that it would bridge academia and the judiciary by providing students with a structured platform to develop negotiation and mediation skills.

They said the institution plans to establish an in-house mediation clinic for hands-on training and seek formal registration of the centre under the Mediation Act, 2023.

The event, organised by a student committee, concluded with a call for greater collaboration among legal institutions to strengthen research and training in alternative dispute resolution, reflecting a shift in legal education towards collaborative problem-solving.