Jaipur: Chief Justice of India Suryakant has proposed that the experience of retired judges be systematically used to resolve disputes outside courts through alternative dispute resolution (ADR) mechanisms. He called for creating a national-level registry to enable such engagement.
Speaking at a conference of retired judges in Jaipur, he said mediation, Lok Adalat, conciliation and arbitration are not merely alternatives but, for millions of Indians, the only practical doorway to justice. He stressed that justice delivered quickly and in a language people understand is “real justice.”
The CJI noted that it is a major loss to the country when the expertise of judges remains unused after retirement. He suggested retired judges could serve as neutral mediators, particularly in business and family disputes.
He also proposed using them as legal educators to explain rights in simple language in schools, colleges and village panchayats. In addition, he said district and state legal services authorities could seek their help to offer guidance and facilitate settlements before issues turn into full-fledged court cases.
Retired judges, he added, can mentor the next generation of lawyers and mediators, describing their experience as invaluable—like stored water that becomes crucial in times of need.
