CJI Surya Kant to inaugurate Commonwealth mediation meet in Jaipur on July 31
Synopsis
Chief Justice of India Justice Surya Kant will open a landmark three-day Commonwealth mediation conclave in Jaipur on 31 July — one that could shape ADR policy across member nations. The expected outcome, the Jaipur Declaration on Peace Mediation–2026, is positioned as a Commonwealth-wide roadmap for accessible, peace-oriented justice.
Key Takeaways
Chief Justice of India Justice Surya Kant will inaugurate the conference at 6:00 PM on 31 July 2026 at Hotel The Lalit, Jaipur .
The three-day conclave runs from 31 July to 2 August 2026 under the joint aegis of RSLSA , CLA , SCBA , and Nivaran .
Seven technical sessions are scheduled — five on 1 August and two on 2 August .
The valedictory session on 2 August will be presided over by Justice Vikram Nath , Executive Chairman of NALSA .
Delegates are expected to adopt the Jaipur Declaration on Peace Mediation–2026 , a policy roadmap for mediation across Commonwealth nations.
Chief Justice of India Justice Surya Kant will inaugurate the International Conference on Commonwealth Peace Mediation and Rule of Law in Jaipur on 31 July 2026, marking the start of a three-day conclave that brings together judges, legal experts, mediators, and policymakers from across Commonwealth nations. The conference runs from 31 July to 2 August at Hotel The Lalit, Jaipur, and is expected to conclude with the adoption of the Jaipur Declaration on Peace Mediation–2026.
Key Organisers and Mandate
The conference is being held under the joint aegis of the Rajasthan State Legal Services Authority (RSLSA), the Commonwealth Lawyers Association (CLA), the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA), and Nivaran – Mediators of the Supreme Court of India. It has been organised under the inspiration of Justice Sanjeev Prakash Sharma, Acting Chief Justice of the Rajasthan High Court and Executive Chairman of RSLSA, and under the guidance of Hari Om Attri, Member Secretary, RSLSA.
Conference Schedule and Sessions
The inaugural session is scheduled for 6:00 PM on 31 July, with Justice Surya Kant formally opening proceedings. Five high-level technical sessions are lined up for 1 August, followed by two sessions on 2 August. The valedictory session at 12:15 PM on 2 August will be presided over by Justice Vikram Nath, Judge of the Supreme Court of India and Executive Chairman of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA).
Themes Under Discussion
Delegates will deliberate on a broad range of legal issues — including commercial, family, environmental, community, and cross-border dispute mediation. The agenda also covers victim-centric mediation in criminal matters, the role of mediation in reinforcing the rule of law, and international best practices in Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR). The overarching aim is to position mediation as a cost-effective, consensus-driven complement to conventional litigation.
The Jaipur Declaration
The deliberations and recommendations from the conference are expected to form the basis of the Jaipur Declaration on Peace Mediation–2026, envisioned as a policy roadmap for strengthening mediation frameworks and advancing judicial cooperation across Commonwealth countries. According to the RSLSA, the Declaration is intended to make a meaningful contribution to mediation policy at both national and Commonwealth levels.
Member Secretary Hari Om Attri said the conference would mark 'an important step towards strengthening judicial collaboration, Alternative Dispute Resolution mechanisms, and a peace-oriented justice system, not only in India but across Commonwealth nations.' With the Jaipur Declaration set to be adopted on 2 August, the outcomes of this conclave will be closely watched by legal communities across member states.
Point of View
If substantive, could nudge Commonwealth member states toward enforceable mediation frameworks rather than aspirational ones. The real test will be whether the Declaration translates into legislative action back home, particularly as India's own Mediation Act 2023 remains unevenly implemented across states. A high-profile CJI inauguration raises the stakes, but follow-through will require more than a joint communiqué.
NationPress
31 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Commonwealth Peace Mediation and Rule of Law conference in Jaipur?
It is a three-day international conference held from 31 July to 2 August 2026 at Hotel The Lalit, Jaipur, bringing together judges, legal experts, mediators, and policymakers from Commonwealth nations to deliberate on mediation and access to justice. The event is jointly organised by the RSLSA, CLA, SCBA, and Nivaran.
Who is inaugurating the Jaipur mediation conference?
Chief Justice of India Justice Surya Kant will formally inaugurate the conference at 6:00 PM on 31 July 2026. The valedictory session on 2 August will be presided over by Justice Vikram Nath, Executive Chairman of NALSA.
What is the Jaipur Declaration on Peace Mediation–2026?
It is a policy document expected to be adopted at the closing session on 2 August 2026, envisioned as a roadmap for strengthening mediation practices and judicial cooperation across Commonwealth countries. According to the RSLSA, it will inform future mediation policy at both national and Commonwealth levels.
What topics will the conference cover?
The conference will address commercial, family, environmental, community, and cross-border dispute mediation, as well as victim-centric mediation in criminal matters and international best practices in Alternative Dispute Resolution. The role of mediation in reinforcing the rule of law is also on the agenda.
Which organisations are hosting the Jaipur mediation conference?
The conference is held under the joint aegis of the Rajasthan State Legal Services Authority (RSLSA), the Commonwealth Lawyers Association (CLA), the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA), and Nivaran – Mediators of the Supreme Court of India.
