Emphasising the importance of constructive criticism within the legal system, Justice Manmohan stated that highlighting shortcomings in the justice delivery mechanism should not be interpreted as condemnation but rather as an effort to enhance institutional functioning.

He made these remarks on Saturday while addressing the SILF-SLP Legal Conclave and Awards 2026.

Justice Manmohan stressed that fostering healthy debate on emerging legal issues is vital for strengthening the justice system and ensuring its adaptation to contemporary challenges. He praised the Society of Indian Law Firms (SILF) for raising the quality of discourse both within society and the courts, and highlighted the importance of ongoing engagement with academia, including international scholars.

He urged Indian law firms to adopt a global perspective, moving beyond narrow domestic concerns to view the world as their professional landscape. The judge also characterised technology as a “double-edged weapon,” warning that while it can serve as a powerful enabler, its misuse might be harmful, thus requiring a balanced and thoughtful approach.

Addressing the issue of judicial pendency, Justice Manmohan called for introspection within the legal community, questioning whether arbitration, initially perceived as a solution, has become part of the problem. He identified mediation as a promising alternative, noting its success in resolving matrimonial disputes and encouraging wider discussion on its potential to reduce the burden on courts.

The conclave, organised by SILF in collaboration with the Society of Legal Professionals (SLP) under the theme “Justice to All Accessible and Affordable,” convened leading legal figures to discuss reforms aimed at addressing the over six crore pending cases in India.

During the event, Chetan Sharma emphasised the transformative potential of mediation and technology in creating a more efficient justice delivery system. He underlined that the integration of mediation with technological tools, including artificial intelligence, could substantially diminish case pendency and advance the vision of a “Viksit Bharat,” while maintaining human intelligence at the core of decision-making.