Jabalpur, 10th August 2026 — Dharmashastra National Law University (DNLU), Jabalpur, participated as a knowledge and collaborating partner in the West Zone Regional Conference on “Enhancing Access to Justice”, organised by the Madhya Pradesh State Legal Services Authority (MPSLSA) under the aegis of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA). The conference, held at the Brilliant Convention Centre, Indore, on August 8, 2026, also witnessed the formal opening of the admission portal for the DNLU–MPSLSA three-month Certificate Course on “Mediation: Transforming Conflict into Consensus.”
West Zone Regional Conference on Enhancing Access to Justice
The conference was organised around the theme “United Voices, Stronger Tomorrow: Advancing Access to Justice through Dialogue, Dignity & Inclusion.” It brought together judges of the Supreme Court of India and High Courts, the Union Minister of Law and Justice, the Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, legal services functionaries, academicians and delegates from across the West Zone.
Delivering the presidential address, Hon’ble Shri Justice Surya Kant, Chief Justice of India, spoke about empathy as a cornerstone of the justice delivery system and emphasised that access to justice could not be treated merely as a procedural exercise. He referred to the constitutional mandate under Article 39A and highlighted the need to ensure that economic or other disabilities do not prevent citizens from securing justice.
The Chief Justice observed that the conference’s emphasis on mediation, tribal access to justice, child-friendly justice and prisoner rehabilitation reflected the constitutional promise of meaningful and inclusive access to justice.
“Local problems require local solutions.”
While elaborating on dialogue, dignity and inclusion, Justice Surya Kant stressed that effective legal aid requires people to be heard, treated with dignity and reached where they are, rather than being expected to navigate the justice system entirely on their own. Drawing upon Indore’s civic history, he referred to Lokmata Ahilyabai Holkar and her practice of directly hearing farmers, widows and traders.
Justice Surya Kant Highlights Localised and Empathetic Legal Aid
The Chief Justice further noted that legal aid cannot follow a one-size-fits-all approach. The legal requirements of a tribal family in Madhya Pradesh, a fisherfolk community in Goa, a migrant worker in Gujarat or a woman seeking legal assistance in Mumbai may differ considerably, requiring responses that are rooted in local realities.
He emphasised communication in people’s own languages and dialects and urged legal institutions to be willing to learn from communities while informing them of their rights. Paralegal volunteers and legal aid counsel were encouraged to keep the principles of being received, heard and treated with empathy at the centre of their work.
Justice Surya Kant also underscored the importance of mediation in preserving relationships and reducing the burden of litigation. He appreciated the efforts of Hon’ble Shri Justice Vivek Rusia, Acting Chief Justice of the High Court of Madhya Pradesh, in promoting mediation and specifically acknowledged the joint initiative of MPSLSA and DNLU, Jabalpur, for launching the Certificate Course on “Mediation: Transforming Conflict into Consensus.”
Referring to paralegal volunteers as “Nyaya Sainik”, he urged them to continue working selflessly for society.
The Chief Justice also referred to Tele-Law, which had facilitated more than one crore pre-litigation consultations, and the Nyaya Bandhu platform connecting pro bono advocates with persons requiring legal assistance.
“Technology is a bridge and not a destination.”
He emphasised that digital platforms could not substitute the trust created by compassionate paralegal volunteers, legal aid lawyers and judicial officers engaging directly with people.
Justice Vikram Nath Appreciates DNLU–MPSLSA Mediation Initiative
Hon’ble Shri Justice Vikram Nath, Judge, Supreme Court of India and Executive Chairman, NALSA, in his special address, discussed the role and mandate of the National Legal Services Authority in advancing the constitutional promise of equal access to justice.
Justice Vikram Nath specifically appreciated the launch of the Certificate Course on Mediation, describing it as a timely and forward-looking initiative aimed at strengthening institutional capacity for mediation and expanding the pool of trained mediators across the region.
He also commended the sustained efforts of Hon’ble Mr. Justice Vivek Rusia, Acting Chief Justice of the High Court of Madhya Pradesh and Patron-in-Chief, MPSLSA, for steering the legal services movement in the State and ensuring the successful conduct of the conference.
Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav Highlights Technology in Justice Delivery
Dr. Mohan Yadav, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, in his special address, placed the contemporary justice system within a broader historical and civilisational context. He observed that the justice system had undergone significant transformation through modern technology.
He referred to developments including e-filing, digital records, the “One Data-One Case” approach, virtual hearings and modern judicial management. The Chief Minister also acknowledged the guidance and contribution of Justice Vikram Nath towards legal services and mediation.
Referring to the historic city of Ujjain and the contribution of the Holkar dynasty to governance and justice, Dr. Yadav also invoked Raja Harishchandra as an enduring symbol of truth and justice and linked this heritage with the State’s commitment to accessible and equitable justice.
Justice Vivek Rusia Stresses Role of Paralegal Volunteers
In his welcome address, Hon’ble Shri Justice Vivek Rusia, Acting Chief Justice, High Court of Madhya Pradesh and Patron-in-Chief, MPSLSA, focused on access to justice, dignity and inclusiveness as guiding principles of the legal services movement.
He described paralegal volunteers as the backbone of society for their role in taking legal aid and legal awareness to people in the remotest areas. Justice Rusia also emphasised the complementary functioning of formal and informal justice delivery mechanisms, noting the importance of coordination between courts, legal services institutions, mediation and community-based dispute resolution mechanisms.
Arjun Ram Meghwal Releases ‘Nyay Ke Swar’
Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal, Hon’ble Union Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Law and Justice, Government of India, in his opening address, appreciated the initiatives, publications and technological interventions unveiled during the conference.
He also lauded the collective efforts of NALSA and MPSLSA in taking justice closer to people and released “Nyay Ke Swar”, a collection of artworks, poems and creative expressions inspired by the mission and values of the legal services movement.
Justice Manmohan Emphasises Growing Importance of Mediation
Hon’ble Shri Justice Manmohan, Judge, Supreme Court of India, highlighted mediation as a people-centric, non-adversarial and effective mechanism for resolving disputes. He referred to its role in reducing the burden on courts while helping restore relationships and social harmony.
Justice Manmohan also formally launched the Justice for Children Fellowship Programme, a collaborative initiative of MPSLSA, UNICEF and National Law University, Delhi.
DNLU–MPSLSA Certificate Course on ‘Mediation: Transforming Conflict into Consensus’
A major highlight for DNLU, Jabalpur, was the formal launch of the admission portal for the three-month Certificate Course titled “Mediation: Transforming Conflict into Consensus.”
The course is a collaborative initiative of MPSLSA and DNLU, Jabalpur, undertaken pursuant to a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) executed between the two institutions. It has been designed to build a skilled cadre of trained mediators and institutionalise mediation as a mainstream and accessible method of dispute resolution.
The admission portal was formally opened during the inaugural session by Hon’ble Shri Justice Satish Chandra Sharma, Judge, Supreme Court of India, in the presence of the assembled dignitaries along with Prof. (Dr.) Manoj Kumar Sinha, Vice Chancellor, DNLU Jabalpur, and Ms. Suman Shrivastava, Member Secretary, MPSLSA.
NALSA and MPSLSA Initiatives Released at Conference
The inaugural session also witnessed the release and launch of several publications and initiatives by NALSA and MPSLSA. These included the NALSA Scheme on Right to Education, the NALSA Theme Song Video in Indian Sign Language, the Hindi Edition of NALSA Schemes, “SPARSH – A Braille Guide to NALSA Schemes” and the Justice for Children Fellowship Programme, among other initiatives.
Conference Concludes With Vote of Thanks
The inaugural session concluded with a Vote of Thanks proposed by Hon’ble Shri Justice Anand Pathak, Judge, High Court of Madhya Pradesh. He expressed gratitude to the Chief Justice of India, judges of the Supreme Court of India and High Courts, the Union Law Minister, the Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, partner institutions including DNLU, Jabalpur, and all delegates and functionaries who contributed to the conference.
DNLU, Jabalpur reiterated its commitment to working closely with MPSLSA and NALSA to strengthen mediation, legal education and access-to-justice initiatives across Madhya Pradesh and the West Zone. The University also expressed its commitment towards the successful rollout of the Certificate Course on “Mediation: Transforming Conflict into Consensus” under the DNLU–MPSLSA MoU.