The Bar Council of India (BCI) has mandated that Mediation (with Conciliation) be taught as a compulsory subject in 3-year /5-year LL.B degree course/s with effect from the Academic Session 2020- 2021.
The BCI informs that it was a letter from the Chief Justice of India, SA Bobde that had prompted BCI to make Mediation a compulsory subject.
CJI Bobde had expressed that the art of Mediation ought to be taught to LLB students as it would go a long way in reducing the backlog of cases.
The BCI proceeded to pass a resolution to this effect on August 2.
BCI opined that amid the COVID-19 pandemic where physical hearings have come to a standstill, it has emerged as a tool for conflict resolution.
“Mediation and Conciliation have been seen to lead to resolutions without undergoing arduous trials and moreover resolutions/solutions are arrived at, at a relatively lesser time“
read the BCI letter.
“It is hereby notified that from the academic session 2020-2021, Mediation with Conciliation shall be a course component/ compulsory paper/subject for the pursuit of a LLB degree course, both for 3 years and 5 years Integrated courses, (both Honours and non Honours). It shall be aimed to provide training in practical skills apart from theory.”
Students of LL.B and Lawyers should be properly trained in the art to understand its true benefits, says the BCI letter, so that, “this will be looked upon more as an option instead of filing suits/cases straight away.“
Read the BCI letter here:
