GS2Indian Polity & Constitution·21 Apr 2026·3 min read

Punjab Bureau Releases SOP for Sacrilege Case Investigations

The Punjab Bureau of Investigation has released a Standard Operating Procedure for investigating sacrilege cases involving holy scriptures. This development highlights the need for a delicate balance between rigorous legal protocol and forensic precision in sensitive investigations. The SOP emphasizes the importance of meticulous evidence collection and stresses that investigation is the true ascertainment of facts.

•A five-day intensive mediation training programme, sanctioned by the Supreme Court of India’s Mediation and Conciliation Project Committee, chaired by Vikram Nath, commenced at Damodaram Sanjivayya National Law University (DSNLU), Visakhapatnam, on Monday.
•This development highlights the growing importance of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), particularly mediation, under Section 89 of the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908.
•The programme aims to equip participants with the skills necessary to effectively mediate disputes, thereby reducing the burden on the Indian judiciary.

A five-day intensive mediation training programme, sanctioned by the Supreme Court of India’s Mediation and Conciliation Project Committee, chaired by Vikram Nath, commenced at Damodaram Sanjivayya National Law University (DSNLU), Visakhapatnam, on Monday. This development highlights the growing importance of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), particularly mediation, under Section 89 of the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908. The programme aims to equip participants with the skills necessary to effectively mediate disputes, thereby reducing the burden on the Indian judiciary.

▸The Supreme Court's Mediation and Conciliation Project Committee is tasked with promoting mediation as a viable alternative to traditional litigation.
▸Section 89 of the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908, provides for the referral of disputes to ADR processes, including mediation.
▸The Code of Civil Procedure, 1908, is a comprehensive legislation governing civil procedure in India.

Key Provisions and Legal Framework

The legal framework governing mediation in India is rooted in the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908, and the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996. The latter provides for the conduct of mediation proceedings, including the appointment of mediators and the enforcement of mediation agreements. The Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996, is a key legislation that has facilitated the growth of ADR in India.

▸The Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996, defines mediation as a process where a neutral third party facilitates a negotiation between parties to a dispute.
▸The Supreme Court of India has played a significant role in promoting mediation, through its judgments and initiatives.
▸The Mediation and Conciliation Project Committee is a Supreme Court-constituted body that oversees the implementation of mediation programmes in India.

Significance and Challenges

The growth of mediation in India is significant, as it has the potential to reduce the backlog of cases in the Indian judiciary. However, challenges remain, including the need for trained mediators and the lack of awareness about mediation as a viable alternative to litigation. The National Judicial Academy has been actively involved in promoting mediation training for judges and lawyers.

▸The Indian judiciary faces a significant backlog of cases, with over 30 million cases pending in various courts.
▸Mediation can help reduce this backlog by providing a faster and more cost-effective means of dispute resolution.
▸The Law Commission of India has recommended measures to strengthen the mediation framework in India, including the establishment of a national mediation council.

Way Forward

To further promote mediation in India, it is essential to increase awareness about its benefits and to provide training for mediators. The government and the judiciary must work together to establish a robust mediation framework, including the creation of a national mediation council and the development of standards for mediator training. The Ministry of Law and Justice has a critical role to play in promoting mediation and ensuring that the necessary infrastructure is in place.

Did You Know? The Supreme Court of India has established a Mediation and Conciliation Project Committee to promote mediation as a viable alternative to traditional litigation.