India Participates in BRICS Ministers of Justice Meeting, Highlights Legal Reforms and ADR Mechanisms

New Delhi: The Department of Legal Affairs, Ministry of Law and Justice of India participated in the BRICS Ministers of Justice Meeting via video conferencing, showcasing the nation’s significant strides in legal reforms. The Indian delegation was led by Dr. Anju Rathi Rana, Additional Secretary of the Department of Legal Affairs, with representatives from the Department of Justice, Legislative Department, and the Ministry of External Affairs also in attendance.

In her address, Dr. Rana underscored India’s evolving legal landscape and highlighted key achievements that have strengthened the nation’s legal framework. She emphasized the Ministry’s central role in overseeing the legal system and its commitment to implementing transformative reforms aimed at enhancing collaboration within the BRICS community.

A focal point of the discussion was India’s progress in improving legal infrastructure and promoting Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms. Dr. Rana drew attention to the Mediation Act, a landmark reform that offers a structured, cost-effective way to resolve disputes while maintaining relationships. She noted the Mediation Act’s potential as a model for BRICS nations, where ADR is increasingly viewed as a vital tool to reduce judicial burdens and ensure timely, equitable conflict resolution.

Dr. Rana also highlighted India’s ongoing efforts to reform litigation processes by addressing case backlogs and encouraging the state to act as a responsible litigant. These reforms are particularly relevant for BRICS nations, where collaborative approaches to legal challenges can help build more efficient legal systems and reduce delays.

Special attention was given to the Administrative Mechanism for Resolution of CPSEs Disputes (AMRCD), a domestic tool designed to resolve commercial disputes without resorting to litigation. This mechanism, Dr. Rana said, has proven effective in managing disputes, particularly in the public sector, and could serve as a model for similar initiatives within BRICS nations.

Other participating countries, including Brazil, Egypt, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates, emphasized the importance of such forums for enhancing legal cooperation between BRICS nations and addressing broader issues such as human rights. Justice Ministers from China, Russia, and South Africa echoed the potential for cooperation to foster a more equitable global order, strengthen connections among people, and advance the sustainable development agenda.