The National Legal Services Authority (NALSA), in collaboration with the International Academy of Mediators (IAM), successfully organized a 15- hours Advanced Commercial Mediation Training Program from 14th to 16th October 2024 at the Supreme Court of India. The three-day event brought together experienced legal professionals, mediators, and judges to enhance mediation skills, particularly in handling complex commercial disputes.
Several eminent personalities from the judiciary and legal fraternity were present for the Inaugural Program, with Hon’ble Shri Justice Sanjiv Khanna, Judge, Supreme Court of India and Executive Chairman, NALSA as well as Chairman, Supreme Court Mediation and Conciliation Project Committee, inaugurating the program. The inaugural program was also graced by Hon’ble Shri Justice M.M. Sundresh, Judge, Supreme Court of India and Member, Supreme Court Mediation and Conciliation Project Committee; Shri Rakesh Kumar Khanna, Senior Advocate and Member, Supreme Court Mediation and Conciliation Project Committee; and Shri Bharat Parashar, Member Secretary, NALSA. Retd. Justice M.L. Mehta, Former Judge, High Court of Delhi also graced the occasion. Shri Niraj Gayagi, Joint Secretary, Department of Justice, Ministry of Law and Justice, Government of India was an Observer for the session. Shri Santosh Kumar, Secretary, Supreme Court Legal Services Committee (SCLSC), Ms. Shreya AroraMehta and Ms. Harshita Mishra, Officers on Special Duty, NALSA also attended the Inaugural program. Besides the Lead Trainers for the training program, 28 participants, who are mediators trained by MCPC, also attended the Inaugural Session.
Justice Khanna in his address highlighted the importance of mediation in India’s legal landscape, stating that with increasing global trade and commercial transactions, mediation serves as an efficient mechanism for dispute resolution, ensuring quicker and mutually beneficial outcomes.
Justice M.M. Sundresh while addressing the participants lauded NALSA’s initiative to organize this training program, as such initiatives contribute to the creation of a more stable and predictable business environment. He stated that training programs tailored to the unique requirements of commercial disputes are not just desirable—they are essential.
The program aimed to equip participants with advanced techniques in mediation, focusing on resolving high-stakes commercial conflicts efficiently and amicably. With the growing significance of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) mechanisms, this training session was a timely and critical initiative, addressing the evolving needs of the business and legal communities.
The training, conducted by leading global experts in mediation, namely Mr. Jonathan Lloyd-Jones, President Elect, IAM and Commercial Mediator and Director, Independent Mediators Ltd. (from United Kingdom); Mr. Claude Amar, Vice President, IAM and Managing Partner, Mediation & Resolution (from France); Mr. Tat Lim, Governor, IAM and Managing Partner, Aequitas Law LLP/ Commercial Mediator, Maxwell Mediators (from Singapore); Ms. Prachi Mehta, Governor, IAM and Founder & Managing Partner, the ADR Group (TAG); and Ms. Anveeksha T. Jain, Senior Mediator and Lead Psychologist, TAG (from India), covered various essential topics such: What is different about Commercial Mediations?; Psychology in Commercial Mediation & Negotiations; The Mediators’ Stance in Commercial Disputes; Managing Difficult Parties in Commercial Mediations; Mediating International Commercial Disputes / Cross-border disputes; Co-Mediating in International Disputes; Distributive Negotiation & Anchoring; Leveraging Emotions in Commercial Mediations; Words & Communication Techniques etc. Interactive sessions, case studies, and practical simulations enriched the learning experience for the participants.
The collaboration with the International Academy of Mediators, a globally renowned institution, further emphasized the program’s significance in aligning India’s mediation practices with international standards. The training concluded on 16th October with a Valedictory Session, where participants were awarded certificates for completing the program.
This initiative marks a significant step forward in promoting commercial mediation as a preferred method of dispute resolution in India, strengthening NALSA’s ongoing efforts to integrate ADR mechanisms into the Indian judicial system.
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