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The Chief Justice of India Justice NV Ramana (CJI) today while speaking at at an event on “Mediation and Information Technology” at Ekta Nagar, Narmada, Gujarat remarked,

“I always quote this mythological story. It is of Lord Krishna’s efforts to mediate before the Kurukshetra war. Imagine how these kingdoms would have prospered if the mediation had succeeded.”

The CJI was highlighting the importance of mediation by refering to Mahabarata and spoke of how peace would have prevailed in Hastinapur and how the kingdoms allied to it would have prospered had Lord Krishna successfully mediated the dispute between Pandavas and Kauravas prior to the Mahabharata war.
The CJI was highlighting the importance of mediation from the perspective of the Hindu epic Mahabharata in “Dhwapar Yuga”, in comparison to court disputes in this day and age. 

CJI began his address by saying that this has his first visit to Gujarat and he was thrilled to be in the land of Mahatma Gandhi.
He further said, “This land has been the fertile ground for many national movements and freedom fighters. This land has also given us the first Chief Justice of India, Justice Kania.” He further noted that standing before the statute of Sardar Vallabhai Patel (statue of unity) he finds it appropriate to talk on dispute resolution by peaceful means.

The CJI further said every big conflict can be resolved with some understanding and that how having a foresight is very important when it comes to resolving a conflict. The CJI said,

“In our country, due to obstacles in formal litigation, people hesitate to approach judicial forums. Arbitration and Mediation centres have the potential to to transform the legal landscape of the country by resolving disputes.”

He further quoted Mahatma Gandhi to reiterate the importance of mediation. The CJI said, “It is important to remember the words of Mahatma Gandhi who said the true function of a lawyer is to unite the parties.”
He further emphasised on how important it is for lawyers and law students to develop expertise in mediation.

Praising the Union Minister for Law and Justice Kiren Rijuju, the CJI said,

“During his tenure many appointments have been made to various. I expect he will clear more names for appointments.”