Abstract
The Indian justice delivery system is presently facing a serious challenge due to the ever-increasing backlog of cases, procedural delays, and high costs of litigation, which often undermine the very objective of timely and effective justice. Prolonged court proceedings not only burden the judiciary but also discourage litigants from seeking legal remedies. In this context, Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) has emerged as a significant and practical mechanism for the administration of justice.
Alternative Dispute Resolution offers an effective framework for resolving disputes outside traditional courts through mechanisms such as arbitration, mediation, conciliation, and Lok Adalats. By emphasizing consensual settlement, procedural flexibility, confidentiality, and party participation, ADR ensures faster and more affordable justice while enhancing access for marginalized and economically weaker sections. This paper examines the role of ADR in the administration of justice in India, analyses its legal framework, and evaluates its contribution to reducing judicial backlog, improving efficiency, and preserving relationships. It also highlights key challenges in ADR implementation and stresses the need for greater awareness, institutional support, and professional training to strengthen ADR as a complementary justice mechanism.
Keywords
Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), Administration of Justice, Arbitration, Mediation, Conciliation, Lok Adalats, Access to Justice, Judicial Backlog, Speedy Justice, Cost-Effective Justice.
- Introduction
The administration of justice is a fundamental function of any democratic society. In India, the judiciary plays a crucial role in upholding the rule of law and protecting citizens’ rights.[1] However, excessive delays, procedural complexities, and rising litigation costs have weakened public confidence in the traditional court system. As a result, Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) has gained importance as a supplementary and sometimes alternative mechanism for resolving disputes.
ADR provides a platform for resolving disputes amicably without resorting to prolonged litigation. It promotes cooperation, flexibility, and efficiency, making it an essential component of modern justice administration.[2]
[1]Upendra Baxi, The Crisis of the Indian Legal System (Oxford University Press 1982).
[2]Marc Galanter, ‘The Dispute Pyramid and the Role of Courts’ (1981) 3 Journal of Legal Pluralism 1.