Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna on Saturday emphasized the need for alternative dispute resolution, stating that not all disputes are suited for courtroom litigation. Speaking as the chief guest at the third convocation ceremony of Maharashtra National Law University (MNLU) in Nagpur, he highlighted mediation as a means to achieve creative solutions beyond rigid legal rulings.
“Mediation is a mode of redressal that opens doors to creative solutions beyond simple yes or no answers,” he said, stressing that it not only resolves conflicts efficiently but also strengthens relationships between individuals and businesses.
Addressing the graduating law students, CJI Khanna encouraged them to think beyond conventional legal frameworks and work toward making justice delivery more cost-effective and time-efficient. “Just as problems cannot be fit into boxes, neither can their solutions,” he remarked, adding that the path to justice should not itself become an obstacle. Each case, he said, presents a unique human story requiring a tailored approach.
“You will be faced not just with a legal issue, but a human story – a business dream threatened by regulatory hurdles, a family grappling with property disputes, or individuals and communities fighting for fundamental rights. The true art of legal practice lies in crafting solutions that address both the legal and human dimensions of the problem,” CJI said.
He also spoke about India’s extensive legal aid framework, which he described as one of the most robust in the world. He said that the legal aid was extended to 80% of the population, not only to the accused but also to the victims and their families. He urged young lawyers to contribute to the objectives of the National Legal Aid Services Authority (NALSA), emphasising that their involvement could help India become a global leader in legal accessibility.
He also called upon the graduates to use their education for social good, particularly in addressing contemporary challenges such as climate change, which, he noted, impacts not only the environment but also human rights and social justice. He highlighted how the digital revolution has raised “unprecedented questions” about privacy, security, and human interaction. “Democracy itself is being reshaped by new technologies and changing social dynamics. These are not just abstract issues; they are fundamental challenges to humanity and liberty that demand innovative solutions,” he added. He underscored the role of lawyers as catalysts for social change, noting that they have historically been at the forefront of transformative movements.
SC judge and chancellor of MNLU, Justice Bhushan Gavai, reflected on the university’s establishment, crediting persistent public efforts and litigation initiated by the High Court Bar Association.
