Gen Z Lawyers Open to Mediation, According to Supreme Court Justice
Justice N Kotiswar Singh of the Supreme Court of India has expressed that the younger generation of lawyers, often referred to as Gen Z, appears more receptive to the concept of mediation compared to their predecessors. He believes that with the right training and career prospects, these young legal minds are likely to take mediation seriously.
During a fireside chat at the International ADR Conference 2026, hosted by the Maadhyam International Council for Conflict Resolution in New Delhi, Justice Singh shared insights from a conversation with approximately 15 interns. He inquired about how mediation was taught in their law colleges, and found that it was often regarded as a secondary subject. This, he contrasted with the high regard for moot court competitions, advocating for similar emphasis on mediation.
Justice Singh commented, “I don’t want to criticize my generation, but this Gen Z generation is very sensitive. With proper training and approach, they are going to accept mediation. If we are able to show the positive aspects of this profession, such as a viable career path, they will take it very seriously.”
Mediation in India’s Judicial Framework
Justice Singh highlighted that many disputes reaching the courts could be settled through mediation, noting that Delhi has made strides in this area, yet much remains to be done nationally. He pointed out that over five crore cases are pending, with 80% in district courts, suggesting that initiatives like the Supreme Court’s Samadhan Samaroh need robust support to be effective.
He criticized the government’s approach to litigation, noting their significant contribution to case backlogs. Justice Singh recounted a 2012 national conference aimed at developing a litigation policy, the impact of which, he asserts, is still unseen in 2026.
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“I frankly don’t see, at least I have not seen in court, the impact of the policy,” he remarked, pointing to unnecessary appeals and review petitions by governments that exacerbate the judicial burden. He urged the government to empower officials to settle disputes without always seeking higher approval.
The Role of Government and the Mediation Act, 2023
Justice Singh urged the Central and State governments to create policies that empower officials to settle cases effectively. “Charity has to begin at home,” he stated, emphasizing that the government’s role should extend beyond providing mediation infrastructure, calling for an evaluation of its conduct as a litigant.
He also highlighted shortcomings in the implementation of the Mediation Act, 2023, noting the absence of the Mediation Council of India. This has resulted in a void regarding the standardization of mediator training and accreditation.
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Panel Discussion on Intellectual Property Disputes
A panel discussion at the conference explored whether intellectual property disputes are better resolved through mediation or arbitration. The session included insights from Pravin Anand, Managing Partner at Anand and Anand, AJ Jawad, Registrar at the International Arbitration and Mediation Centre, and Aakanksha Nehra, Partner at PSL Advocates & Solicitors. It was moderated by Hemant Singh, Founder and Managing Partner at INTTL Advocare.
