kiranmai tutika I amaravati

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Friday underscored the importance of the Ease of Justice framework as a cornerstone for delivering swift and accessible justice to citizens. Speaking at the International Mediation Conference held in Visakhapatnam, the Chief Minister highlighted the vital role of mediation and arbitration in resolving disputes effectively and reducing the burden on courts.

Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said alternative dispute resolution (ADR) systems not only make justice more affordable but also ensure faster outcomes. “Mediation is not new to India. From ancient times, our society has relied on village elders and community leaders to mediate conflicts. Even in mythology, Lord Krishna was one of the finest mediators,” he observed.

The Chief Minister described the Visakhapatnam conference on judicial and mediation reforms as a historic event. “The Indian judiciary is the cornerstone of our democracy, safeguarding constitutional rights and upholding the law. While justice may sometimes be delayed, every citizen has faith that justice will be delivered,” he said.

Naidu pointed out that India is advancing reforms at an unprecedented pace and Andhra Pradesh has already attracted investments worth USD 100 billion over the past year. With global companies establishing operations in the state, he stressed the need for robust systems to resolve disputes efficiently. “Alongside setting up new courts, we must also strengthen mediation and arbitration mechanisms. ADR systems are critical for building investor confidence and sustaining economic growth,” he added.

The Chief Minister said the government is committed to creating a comprehensive ADR ecosystem in Visakhapatnam to deal with the rising volume of disputes. He noted that many citizens still view court proceedings as intimidating or undesirable, and mediation provides them with a more approachable and dignified alternative.

Highlighting the role of technology in judicial reforms, Mr. Naidu called for wider adoption of virtual hearings, e-filing systems, and mobile-based case updates. “Technology will be the bridge that connects justice to the doorstep of the common man,” he asserted.

The event was attended by Supreme Court judges Justice Surya Kant and Justice P.S. Narasimha, Andhra Pradesh High Court Chief Justice Dheeraj Singh Thakur, as well as several other judges and legal experts.