Panchayat Mediation Mechanism: In a landmark statement advocating grassroots legal empowerment, President Droupadi Murmu voiced strong support for enabling Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) to act as formal mediators for local dispute resolution. Referring to the Mediation Act, 2023, she stressed its compatibility with the constitutional mandate under Articles 243-B to 243-ZA β provisions that give legitimacy and structure to panchayats as decentralised governance institutions.
This proposed shift would democratise access to justice, reduce judicial pendency, and empower rural communities to resolve conflicts locally, quickly, and peacefully.
What is the Panchayat Mediation Mechanism?
The Panchayat Mediation Mechanism is a governance proposal to authorise elected Gram Panchayats and other rural local bodies to act as legal mediators in resolving civil and minor disputes. Unlike informal dispute resolution in village councils (e.g., khap panchayats), this would involve state-sanctioned, legally binding mediation processes governed under national law.
President Murmu stressed that this approach would formalise and legitimise traditional conflict resolution methods, reduce court burdens, and reinforce citizen-centric governance.
Common disputes likely to be resolved include:
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Land boundary disagreements
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Water usage conflicts
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Inheritance and property-related disputes
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Domestic and neighborhood issues
Constitutional Backing: Articles 243-B to 243-ZA Explained
These articles were introduced by the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992, providing the legal and structural basis for Panchayati Raj in India. They offer a framework through which states can delegate powers to Panchayats, including dispute resolution responsibilities.
Key Provisions:
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Article 243-B: Mandates the establishment of a three-tier system of Panchayats β at the village, intermediate, and district levels.
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Article 243-C: Describes the composition of Panchayats, including representation from SC/ST and women.
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Article 243-G: Enables state legislatures to devolve powers and authority to Panchayats, empowering them to function as institutions of self-government. This includes planning and implementation of development and social justice programmes.
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Article 243-H: Allows Panchayats to receive funds through state allocation or tax collection.
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Article 243-I to 243-ZA: Include provisions on Finance Commission, Audit, Elections, Bar to interference in panchayat functioning, and matters related to administrative efficiency.
β‘οΈ Article 243-G is particularly relevant, as it allows states to legally assign Panchayats roles in alternative dispute resolution, including mediation.
The Mediation Act, 2023 β Bridging Law and Local Governance
The Mediation Act, 2023, passed by Parliament to institutionalise alternative dispute resolution (ADR) in India, provides the legal framework for panchayat-level mediation.
Key Features:
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π Legally Enforceable Settlements: Agreements reached through mediation will be legally binding.
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π§βπ« Training and Accreditation: The Act facilitates the creation of certified mediators and training programmes.
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π Pre-Litigation Mediation: Encouraged in all civil and commercial disputes.
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π§βπ€βπ§ Community Mediation: Specifically recognises local and community-based mediation platforms, such as panchayats.
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π Online Mediation: Also enabled, ensuring digital inclusion.
By equipping Panchayats under this act, rural India will gain structured, low-cost access to justice, rooted in familiarity, speed, and fairness.
Benefits of Legal Empowerment at the Grassroots
The Presidentβs proposal aims to blend constitutional governance, legal reform, and participatory democracy.
β Key Benefits:
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Reduces judicial backlog by resolving minor civil disputes outside formal courts
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Brings justice closer to rural populations
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Empowers elected panchayat representatives as local leaders in governance and justice
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Preserves social cohesion through non-adversarial conflict resolution
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Improves accountability and trust in state systems
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Aligns with SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions)
This approach also fosters gender inclusion, as Panchayats today have 33β50% women representation in many states.
Institutional Support and Policy Launches
Alongside President Murmuβs remarks, the event featured major developments:
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π Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal supported legal training for Panchayats
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βοΈ CJI D.Y. Chandrachud emphasized judiciaryβs role in promoting decentralized justice
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π§βπΌ Mediation Association of India launched to standardize and promote ADR training and regulation
This ecosystem will act as a support base for future village-level mediation models, combining policy intent with institutional capacity.
Also Read:Β Chief Justice of Jharkhand High Court
Points to Remember
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π President Droupadi Murmu backs the Panchayat Mediation Mechanism to localise legal resolution.
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βοΈ Mediation Act, 2023, provides an enforceable legal structure for rural dispute resolution.
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π Articles 243-B to 243-ZA form a constitutional basis for PRIs and their potential legal roles.
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π Proposal ensures decentralised, accessible, and cost-effective justice at the village level.
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π The Law Ministry and Judiciary lend full support to this grassroots governance reform.
