In an unexpected yet pragmatic move, the Gauhati High Court on Thursday referred the high- profile case of Siya Devi vs The Union of India and four others to the Mediation Centre. The decision is part of a larger national initiative named ''Mediation 'For the Nation','' aimed at fast- tracking dispute resolution across India's crowded courtrooms.
The petitioner, Siya Devi, a resident of Dumka, Jharkhand, filed a writ petition against the Union of India and senior Border Security Force (BSF) officials. The bench of Justice Kaushik Goswami passed the order after both parties expressed their consent to explore mediation, offering a glimmer of hope for swift justice.
Background
Siya Devi's petition, filed in late 2024, raised significant concerns over service- related grievances involving the BSF. While the details of the dispute are kept private, what makes the case noteworthy is its referral under a special SOP (Standard Operating Procedure) approved by the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA). The SOP is part of a broader effort to reduce litigation backlog and promote amicable settlements.
Unlike traditional litigation, mediation allows disputing parties to negotiate directly with the help of a neutral mediator, aiming for a mutually acceptable resolution. This move has been heavily publicized as part of the national campaign led by the judiciary to decongest court dockets.
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Court's Observations
During the hearing, Mr. K. D. Sharma, representing Siya Devi, and Ms. M. Barman for the respondents, submitted that their clients were agreeable to referring the case for mediation under the Special Mediation Drive.
The bench remarked, ''
The matter being listed under the column for Mediation 'For the Nation' today aims at facilitating speedy justice and reducing unnecessary judicial burden.''
The order clarified that the parties are directed to appear before the Mediation Centre coordinator at Gauhati High Court on October 15, 2025, at 11:30 a.m. The court emphasized convenience, allowing parties to choose online, offline, or hybrid mediation sessions.
Importantly, the judge made sure that contact details of the mediation coordinator- Sri Joydev Koch- were shared, ensuring smooth communication. The mobile number and email ID were explicitly mentioned to avoid any future confusion.
Decision and Next Steps
In a clear nudge toward alternative dispute resolution, the court directed the Registry to facilitate all necessary arrangements. Both parties have been instructed to appear without fail for the first mediation session.
This step aligns with the government's broader strategy to modernize judicial procedures in India, particularly in matters involving public servants and government bodies. The Bench's decision reflects a growing recognition that not all disputes warrant prolonged litigation and that mediation can often provide faster, equitable solutions.
With this order, the court hopes that the parties will arrive at a mutually acceptable settlement without further judicial intervention. The mediation session is set to be the first crucial step in resolving the matter outside the courtroom walls.
Order Date: September 11, 2025
Next Hearing (Mediation Session): October 15, 2025, at 11:30 a.m.
Case Tittle : Siya Devi vs The Union Of India And 4 Others
Case Number : WP(C)/3249/2024
