Nivaaran is a pioneer organization of mediators of Supreme Court of India dedicated to revolutionizing the practice of mediation and reshaping the landscape of conflict resolution in India and globally. As pioneers in promoting peace mediation, advancing UN SDG 16 and online conflict resolution (OCR), we lead the charge in integrating cutting-edge technology into the justice system, ensuring that mediation is more accessible, efficient, and impactful for individuals, businesses, and the legal community. Through innovation and strategic collaboration, we aim to position mediation as the trusted, primary method for resolving conflicts and disputes.
We are deeply committed to the power of generative dialogue and mutual respect and understanding as the core of conflict resolution. Nivaaran champions peace mediation as the preferred alternative to traditional litigation adjudication, and through advocacy, education and training, we work to expand the reach of online mediation, harnessing its potential to bridge distances and connect diverse communities globally. As thought leaders in the field, Nivaaran is shaping a future where justice is delivered with fairness, empathy, and a focus on fostering lasting peace and societal progress.
At Nivaaran, our mission is to redefine and elevate the practice of mediation within the global justice system, positioning it as a vital tool for conflict resolution. We are pioneers in promoting peace mediation and advancing UN Sustainable Development Goal 16, which advocates for peace, justice, and strong institutions. With a steadfast commitment to all justice stakeholders, from public and litigants to mediation advocates and mediators, we are leveraging cutting-edge technologies and online mediation to make conflict resolution more accessible, efficient, and boundaryless.
Through education, research, continuous learning and advanced training, we disseminate best practices in mediation via workshops, summer schools, interactive sessions, webinars and podcasts. As we build a state-of-the-art mediation centre, we foster collaborations with legal experts, scholars, psychologists and innovators. Our initiatives are underpinned by the values of transparency, sustainability, and community enrichment, ensuring that our approach remains adaptable and resilient.
Rooted in the principles of generative dialogue, mutual trust and respect, and a shared commitment to harmony, Nivaaran leads the way in integrating mediation into the evolving global justice landscape for a more peaceful and just world.
Nivaaran envisions a future where mediation is not merely an alternative but the primary choice for conflict and dispute resolution, seamlessly integrated into the justice system of India and beyond. We see a world where justice extends beyond the traditional confines of courtrooms, embracing the transformative potential of generative dialogue, understanding, and advanced technology. Our vision is to create a society where every individual, family, community, and organization can access fair, efficient, and compassionate conflict resolution, unhindered by geographical or cultural boundaries.
Nivaaran stands as a leader in innovation and excellence in India and overseas, setting the standard for online mediation. By harnessing emerging technologies, we aim to bridge divides, foster global peace, and reshape the landscape of dispute resolution to promote harmony, in alignment with UN SDG 16. Nivaaran strives to be a catalyst for justice, where conflict resolution not only settles disputes but builds a foundation for sustainable peace and societal progress
Mr. R. Santhanakrishnan is a stalwart in the legal profession, with contributions that resonate far beyond courtroom walls. Growing up in Hyderabad, his inherent leadership and organizational skills were evident as he spearheaded youth festivals, cultural events, and sports initiatives. At Osmania University, not only did he delve deep into Economics, earning both his Bachelor’s and Postgraduate degrees, but he also showcased his penchant for community involvement.
Under his guidance, the ‘Young Folks League’ literary club was born, a testament to his love for literature and community building. Early on, he displayed a fervent commitment to justice and democracy, joining the ‘Organisation for Protection of Democratic Rights’ (OPDR) and advocating for the rule of law.
His professional journey saw him take on multifaceted roles. As an employee with the provincial government, he was at the heart of the electoral process, ensuring its smooth operation. This dedication to public service ran in parallel with his academic pursuits; he earned a law degree and simultaneously championed educational and recreational initiatives, organizing tours and expeditions. His legal acumen found its ground first at the High Court of Andhra Pradesh in Hyderabad and then, scaling new heights, at the Supreme Court of India in Delhi. With expertise spanning Employment, Administrative, Election, Arbitration, and Constitutional Law, Mr. Santhanakrishnan became an indispensable asset to the Road Transport Corporation, representing them for an impressive duration.
Outside of direct legal practice, his passion interwove with sports, leading to his election as the President of the Indian Advocates Cricket Association. His vision and leadership skills flourished when he founded the Commonwealth Lawyers Cricket World Cup and nurtured international relations by organizing visits to several Commonwealth countries. The Commonwealth Lawyers Association (CLA) recognized and respected his dedication, propelling him to roles of increasing responsibility, from Vice-President to President. As President, he embarked on the ambitious ‘Mission Commonwealth Connect’, strengthening ties across the Commonwealth.
After his impactful presidency, Mr. Santhanakrishnan didn’t slow down. He honed his skills as a Mediator for which he had trained himself more than a decade and half back under trainers from UK and founded ‘NIVAARAN’, an initiative dedicated to mediation. His academic contributions continued as a faculty member at the National Judicial Academy in Bhopal. And most recently, his unparalleled dedication was recognized as he was honoured as the Honorary Life President of the Commonwealth Lawyers Association. Mr. R. Santhanakrishnan is a blend of dedication, leadership, vision, and unwavering commitment to justice and community.
Rajiv Dutta, Senior Advocate, Supreme Court of India, has over 45 years of experience. Mr. Dutta is presently a member of the Panel of Arbitrators at Singapore International Arbitration Centre (SIAC), Panel Arbitrator at the ASSOCHAM International Council of Alternate Dispute Resolution (AICADR), Panel Arbitrator at the Indian Council of Arbitration (ICA) and Panel Arbitrator at the Delhi International Arbitration Centre (DIAC). He has acted as an Arbitrator under the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) model rules, and in ICC International Commercial Arbitrations.
Mr. Dutta is a Supreme Court-trained Mediator actively involved in the conduct of mediations at the Supreme Court Mediation Centre (SCMC). He is a Country Representative for India at the International Bar Association (IBA) Mediation Committee. He was a member of the IBA Mediation Committee for drafting IBA rules for investor-state mediation. He has been appointed as the Vice-Chair of the Sports Law Committee of the International Bar Association (IBA) and a Fellow and an Associate Member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CiArb), since 2020. Mr. Dutta has been elected Vice-President of the Bar Association of India and is a former elected Vice-President of the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA).
Mr. Dutta has also served as a Visiting Professor (Comparative Law) under the Senior Lawyers Program of the Centre for International Legal Studies, Salzburg, Austria, at the Palacky University, Faculty of Law, Olomouc, Czech Republic in Spring, 2016.
Being a First-Generation Lawyer, Mr. Dutta has contributed for strengthening the Legal Institutions in India and abroad. He is also a founder and director at the CESR (Centre for Entertainment and Spots Resolution). His keen interest in Sports Law and Environmental Law led to two leading judgments one by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) which led to the framing of the National Action Plan on Forest Policy titled as ‘Rajiv Dutta v. Union of India- (Original Application No. 216/2016)’. The other one delivered by the Delhi High Court also titled as ‘Rajiv Dutta v. Union of India- (WP(c) No. 8734/2014)’ which led to change in the National Sports Development Law in India.
Jitendra M. Sharma is a seasoned Senior Advocate at the Supreme Court of India, with a notable presence in the Indian legal fraternity. His expertise spans various aspects of law, and he has been practicing in the Supreme Court since 1989 ¹.
As a senior advocate, Sharma has mentored several lawyers, including Umesh Bhagwat, who has over 18 years of experience as a practicing lawyer and has specialized in appeals and writ petitions, including public interest litigation.
Practicing law since 1976 in Supreme Court, has appeared in almost all High Courts and has wide litigation experience overseas particularly in Singapore and USA. Advocate on Record for the State of Rajasthan in Supreme Court from 1990 to 1993 and 1994 to 1999, brought down pending litigation from 6,000 to 350 during that period. Additional Advocate General for State of Rajasthan for Supreme Court from 2004 to 2009. In 2019 designated as Senior Advocate by Supreme Court. Has more than 10,000 appearances in Court and about 500 reported judgments.
Hony. Secretary, SCBA 1995-96 and Vice President of SCAORA 1999-2001. Chief architect of the Sports Acts enacted by the States of Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh which finally led to IPL in cricket and defended them successfully. Chief draftsman of ‘White Paper on publishing and printing of judgments using Neutral Citation’ and member of ‘Supreme Court Committee on Subject Categorization’.
Written several articles and made numerous presentations and addresses all over India and around the globe, particularly ‘First Hindu Conference’ in New Zealand and ‘First Hindu Diaspora Conference’ in Chicago, USA in 2009. Has published a translation of ‘Shrimat Bhagwad Gita – Lawyers Perspective’- Fourth Edition, ‘Understanding Supreme Court Better – 151 Facts you need to know’ and is Co-author of ‘Supreme Court on Arbitration Law’. Voracious reader, keen analyst, and deep thinker. Making sincere efforts to translate sanaatan dharm scriptures into simple English, particularly for generation Z, driven solely by personal cosmic experiences. Promoter of Legal Revolution 5.0 – ODR and Peace Mediation.
Ms. Nandini Gore is a distinguished Advocate on Record practicing before the Supreme Court of India. With expertise spanning Litigation, Arbitration, Corporate practice, and Mediation, she stands out as a legal luminary. An alumnus of Campus Law Centre, New Delhi, Ms. Gore has earned her LLB & LLM, cementing a robust academic foundation.
Her proficiency has not gone unnoticed; Chambers and Partners Asia recognized her from 2012 to 2018 consecutively for her exceptional litigation services. Furthermore, Lawyer’s World listed her in the Premier 500 category from 2015 to 2018. Her accolades include the Prominent Women in Law Award 2016 and a spot in Leaders in Law for commercial litigation and mediation in 2017.
Ms. Gore’s reputation is anchored in her exceptional drafting skills, comprehensive knowledge of rules and procedures, and her adeptness in complex, corporate, & constitutional matters in the Supreme Court. Her portfolio includes high-profile royal family disputes, environmental and vehicular pollution cases, mining laws, and pharmaceutical disputes. She also engages in legal battles across high courts, Appellate Tribunal for Electricity, National Green Tribunal, Company Law Board, Mines Tribunal, among others.
As a certified mediator, she is on the Supreme Court Mediation Committee’s panel. Her mediation experience is extensive, having partaken in advanced training programmes locally and internationally. She has graced global conferences as a participant and speaker, sharing her mediation acumen in Toronto, Chicago, Baltimore, San Francisco, Singapore, and beyond. Her educational outreach extends to law colleges and schools, emphasizing the significance of mediation.
Ms. Gore’s proficiency extends to advanced mediation techniques, adeptly handling high-conflict mediations involving partnerships, employment, probate, real estate, and family disputes. Her book, “Handbook on Mediation,” is a testament to her depth of knowledge and experience in the field. Clients value her pragmatism and professionalism, making her a trusted figure in resolving disputes both in and out of court.
Her leadership and dedication to the legal community are evident. She has served as the Secretary of Supreme Court Advocates-On-Record Association, is the Vice President of Mediators India, and holds the title of Distinguished Fellow of the International Academy of Mediators. Her role in large-scale mediations for public and private sectors, as well as court-annexed mediations, underscores her commitment to promoting alternative dispute resolution methods nationwide.
Ms. Nandini Gore is not just an advocate but a pillar of the legal community, advocating for resolution, education, and the advancement of mediation as a crucial component of the justice system.
Mrs. Prabha Swami is a seasoned Advocate in the Supreme Court of India, boasting an illustrious legal career spanning over three decades. Her academic foundation includes a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from Madras University and a Bachelor of Laws from Bombay University.
Expertise and Achievements
With a proven track record in national and international arbitration, Mrs. Swami is a versatile expert in dispute resolution. Her dedication extends beyond regular practice, with a strong commitment to pro bono work, providing legal counsel to underprivileged sections of society.
Notable highlights of her career include:
Practice Areas
Mrs. Swami’s expertise encompasses a wide range of legal areas, including:
Mediation and Legal Service
As a trained and empaneled Mediator in the Supreme Court of India, Mrs. Swami is committed to developing the institution of mediation. She is also associated with the Supreme Court Legal Services Committee and serves as a Volunteer in the Supreme Court Gender Sensitization and Internal Complaints Committee.
Contributions to Legal Scholarship
Mrs. Prabha Swami has contributed to key publications, including assisting in authoring “Halsbury’s Laws of India – Volume 13 – Injunctions” and assisting in the editing of the 8th Edition of “C.M Row, Law of Injunctions”, both published by Lexis Nexis Butterworths.
With her profound legal insights and commitment to mediation, Mrs. Swami continues to make a significant impact in the legal community.
Rakesh Khanna is a renowned Senior Advocate at the Supreme Court of India. He has been practicing law for many years and has earned a reputation as a skilled and experienced advocate.
Rakesh Khanna has held various prestigious positions, including President of the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA). His expertise spans multiple areas of law, and he has been recognized for his contributions to the Indian legal fraternity. He is listed among the esteemed Senior Advocates designated by the Supreme Court.
Abha Sharma is known face in the legal corridors of the Supreme Court of India and Delhi High Court for last 34 years. Having studied science, a post graduate in cyto genetics, she has excelled as a law student being a gold medalist. Coming from a legal background, law needed no introduction to her. She started her practice with one of the doyens of legal profession, late Shri R. K. Jain, Senior Advocate. She qualified to be an Advocate on record from Supreme court of India. Besides Supreme Court she has been appearing before the Delhi High Court, NCLAT, NGT. Her practice involves civil, criminal, commercial and corporate cases. She has been proficiently dealing with arbitration. She has also assisted/argued many constitutional matters. She has been the counsel for T N Seshan, former chief Election Commissioner and counsel for Col. Bhawani Singh, who was the last recognized Maharaja of Jaipur .
She has also represented the State of Bihar in many important cases as Additional Standing Counsel. She has been championing the cause of children for which she has filed PIL titled as Abha R. Sharm and Ors. Vs NCT and Ors, seeking framing of non-negotiable child safety conditions and implementation of existing guidelines to protect school going children. As her social responsibilities towards the society, Abha has been doing pro-bono cases.
She is an active members of the bar and has had the distinction of being elected as the member of “Supreme Court Gender Sensitisation Internal Complaint Committee”. With her vast knowledge and experience, she has not only excelled in her profession but also won the confidence of the clients.
Abha is a certified mediator being trained by the mediation and conciliation project committee of the Supreme Court of India and is a trained and empaneled mediator in the Supreme Court of India. Ms. Sharma is well known among the fresh lawyers for guiding them in practice and procedure of the Supreme Court of India
Abha is consistently appreciated as exceeding expectation and has been appreciated for her behavioural skills from seniors during the professional work.
Ms Shirin Khajuria has the honour of being designated as a Senior Advocate by the Supreme Court of India. She has a practiced for over 34 years as an advocate-on-record and an arguing counsel. Her legal prowess extends to representing a diverse clientele, including Indian and multinational corporations, individuals and Governments across various judicial and quasi-judicial bodies. She appears before the Supreme Court of India, High Courts, Telecom Disputes Settlement Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT), National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC), National Green Tribunal (NGT), and Tax Tribunals.
With a broad legal acumen that encompasses indirect taxation, arbitration, constitutional law, contract law, environmental law, telecom and broadcasting, property, service, family, consumer and criminal law, Ms. Khajuria has contributed to numerous reported judgments and has been distinguished with appointments as amicus curiae by the Supreme Court of India.
Ms. Khajuria holds a Commerce Honors degree from Delhi University, a law degree from Campus Law Centre, New Delhi and studied Psychology and Math at School.
Her early career as in-house counsel at Shriram Foods and Fertilizers Ltd., following her LL.B., provided her with an in-depth understanding of corporate legal challenges. Moreover, her tenure as a law officer with the United Nations Compensation Commission (UNCC) in Geneva, Switzerland, equipped her with a global perspective on legal claims arising from international conflicts.
She has earned long-term retention by clients for her strategic, practical approach to resolving complex disputes. She has also been invited to speak on disparate topics of law.
A certified mediator by the Supreme Court Mediation and Conciliation Project Committee, Ms. Khajuria is on the panels of the Supreme Court Mediation Centre and Online Mediation Centre, ‘SAMA’ and was also accredited by the Singapore International Mediation Institute (SIMI). Her mediation experience is extensive, dealing with broadcasting, commercial, contractual, banking, property, construction, matrimonial, and family disputes.
Ms Khajuria is on the panel of arbitrators of ICA and has conducted commercial arbitrations.
Passionate about the potential of alternative dispute resolution, Ms. Khajuria actively promotes mediation through her published works, lectures, and workshops with law students and professionals. She is a founder-Trustee of ‘Nivaaran’.
Mediation is more than just an alternative to litigation; it is becoming vital and a critical tool for conflict resolution in the evolving legal landscape. Mediation offers a range of benefits to all stakeholders in the legal ecosystem, including students, pre-litigators, post-litigators, mediation advocates, and mediators. Understanding and mastering mediation is essential for adapting to a legal system that values efficiency, harmony, and client-centered solutions.
For individuals whose trust has been breached and who feel a serious conflict has arisen, but are still seeking more efficient and amicable solutions rather than resorting to litigation, mediation is a vital option. Pre-litigators can benefit from mediation as it is quicker and less expensive than formal court proceedings. When litigation involves personal or business relationships, both parties often engage in allegations and counter-allegations to win the case, which inevitably leads to the breakdown of relationships. Mediation allows both parties to collaborate in finding a mutually beneficial solution without damaging their ongoing relationship. This approach is particularly crucial when long-term, relationship-based resolutions are preferred over adversarial court battles. Engaging in pre-litigation mediation can resolve disputes before they escalate into full-blown legal cases, thereby reducing the burden on courts and promoting both a conflict-free individual and a conflict-free society. The settlement reached in pre-litigation mediation is as binding as any other agreement, and courts typically refrain from interfering with or setting such agreements aside.
Those who have been unable to resolve conflicts and are involved in litigation but seek a faster or more satisfying resolution, can find an effective alternative in mediation. In all civil and commercial litigation, mediation is mandatory, and it is essential that litigators understand and recognize the benefits of mediation rather than crowding the courts. Litigators can use mediation to resolve cases that have already entered the judicial system but are stuck in lengthy processes. This approach helps avoid delays and reduces the caseload on courts, allowing them to focus on cases where parties prefer issues to be adjudicated strictly according to law. Mediation also gives litigants more control over the final resolution, unlike relying solely on a judge’s decision, which often leads to rigid outcomes. This control fosters greater satisfaction among parties who may not be content with a court-imposed result. The settlement reached in post-litigation mediation carries the weight of a court decree, and courts typically refrain from interfering with or setting aside such settlements decrees.
For lawyers representing clients in mediation, the evolving litigation scenario highlights the importance of mediation advocacy and opens new opportunities—not only for financial gain but also for making a meaningful contribution to the growth, development, and progress of society. Mediation advocates focus on achieving their clients’ objectives through a collaborative approach. As the legal profession shifts toward holistic and client-centric solutions, mediation advocacy plays a crucial role by prioritizing settlements over adversarial litigation. Advocates in this field require a unique skill set, including effective communication and conflict resolution abilities. These skills are highly valued in the modern legal environment, where creative, solution-oriented approaches are increasingly favored over traditional legal arguments. Mediation training equips advocates to look beyond immediate legal issues and to explore long-term, sustainable resolutions that amicably settle disputes. Through peace-focused mediation, conflicts can be resolved permanently, creating win-win situations for both parties while preserving their relationships
Mediators play an increasingly crucial role in the changing litigation landscape, especially as courts encourage litigants and lawyers to turn to alternative dispute resolution (ADR) and online conflict resolution (OCR). Mediators are essential in helping conflicting parties find common ground without taking sides. With the growing importance of ADR and OCR, mediators serve as the backbone of this transition, ensuring that disputes are resolved through constructive dialogue rather than through allegations, counter-allegations, and courtroom confrontations. Mediators contribute to this goal by reducing the time and resources needed to resolve conflicts, thereby helping to unclog court systems and allowing them to focus on cases that truly require judicial intervention. In an era where technology and efficiency are transforming how people engage with the legal system, mediators foster the trust necessary for parties to participate in peaceful, cooperative conflict resolution, which stands in contrast to traditional adjudication