Archive · 25 Jul 2025
India's Mediation Drive Misses Opportunities for Wider ADR Support
The Indian government is trying to speed up resolving legal disputes and help small businesses.
They started a 90-day program to settle cases like family and business disagreements through mediation, where a neutral person helps people talk things out.
They also launched a website to help small businesses with payment problems.
However, some people are worried because the government isn't including some of the experienced mediation groups already in place.
They think this could make the programs less successful because they are missing out on help from experts.
A 90-day mediation drive launched on July 1, 2025, aims to resolve pending court cases.
Eligible cases for mediation include various civil matters such as matrimonial and commercial disputes.
The drive primarily relies on court-appointed mediators, potentially excluding established ADR institutions.
An Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) portal for MSMEs was launched but faces functionality and empanelment delays.
The government's initiatives appear to overlook existing ADR institutions, raising concerns about public-private partnerships.
- Who
- The initiatives involve the National Legal Service Authority (NALSA), the Mediation and Conciliation Project Committee (MCPC), the Union government, and various ADR institutions.
- What
- The article discusses two initiatives: a 90-day mediation drive and an ODR portal for MSMEs.
- When
- The 90-day mediation drive began on July 1, 2025. The ODR portal was launched on MSME Day, June 27, 2025.
- Where
- India.
- Why
- To reduce the burden on courts and expedite dispute resolution, particularly for MSMEs.
Government Approach
Alternative Perspective
Mediator Selection
Government Approach
Reliance on court-appointed mediators and limited involvement of established ADR institutions.
Alternative Perspective
Greater inclusion of ADR institutions to enhance the effectiveness of dispute resolution initiatives.
ODR Portal Administration
Government Approach
Centralized control of empanelment process for the ODR portal.
Alternative Perspective
Involving state governments in the empanelment process for wider participation.
- Mediation Drive Start Date
- July 1, 2025
- Mediation Drive Duration
- 90 days
- MSME ODR Portal Launch Date
- June 27, 2025
- Eligible Cases for Mediation
- Matrimonial, accident claims, commercial disputes, etc.
- Focus
- Alternative Dispute Resolution