Dr Ashok Yende, former HOD of Mumbai University law dept, empanelled as mediator at Supreme Court | Mumbai News

MUMBAI: Former Head of the Department of Law at Mumbai University, Dr. Ashok Yende, has been empanelled as a Mediator by the Hon’ble Lordship Chairman of the Supreme Court Legal Services Committee (SCLSC) in the Panel of the Supreme Court Mediation Centre.
Expressing gratitude for this esteemed opportunity, Dr Yende stated, “I am deeply honored to be entrusted with this responsibility. Mediation is a powerful tool for resolving disputes efficiently, and I look forward to contributing meaningfully to the justice system.”
Dr Yende has had a distinguished career in legal academia and dispute resolution. He was earlier appointed as the Ombudsman (Lokpal) by Prof Dr. Dilip Ukey, Vice Chancellor of Maharashtra National Law University (MNLU) Mumbai, for a three-year term.
His tenure as Ombudsman was marked by his keen approach to resolving disputes and ensuring fairness within the university, contributing significantly to the establishment of a transparent grievance redressal mechanism. Additionally, he was recently appointed as a Mediator at the Bombay High Court’s Mediation Centre and the Maharashtra State Consumer Commission.
Dr Yende has earned recognition for his contributions to the field of legal education. He has been instrumental in establishing the University of Mumbai Law Academy, an institution that has played a vital role in producing highly skilled legal professionals. Furthermore, Dr Yende served as the inaugural Chair-Professor of the Chief Justice Chagla Chair on Human Rights at the University of Mumbai, where he made significant contributions to the academic discourse on human rights law. His extensive experience in academia, combined with his expertise in legal practice, has allowed him to mentor several generations of law students, making a lasting impact on legal education in the country.
Dr Yende’s legal acumen and contributions to mediation have been recognized both nationally and internationally, solidifying his reputation as a key figure in the field of alternative dispute resolution (ADR). His involvement in the ADR space has contributed to the growing prominence of mediation as a preferred method of dispute resolution in India. Mediation is increasingly being recognized for its ability to provide parties with a cost-effective, faster, and more amicable solution to their disputes, reducing the burden on traditional court systems.
This appointment highlights the growing significance of ADR in reducing the burden on courts and ensuring faster and amicable settlements. With his deep knowledge of legal principles and commitment to promoting peaceful resolution of conflicts, Dr Yende’s expertise and experience will further strengthen the mediation framework within India’s judiciary, serving as an important step towards enhancing the efficiency of India’s legal system. His appointment underscores the importance of mediation in ensuring accessible and effective justice for all.