Mahindra University School of Law and IIAM to Establish On-Campus Seeding Centre for Peace and Justice

Mahindra University School of Law and the Indian Institute of Arbitration and Mediation (IIAM) have signed an MoU to establish the 'Seeding Centre for Peace and Justice'. This groundbreaking initiative creates India's first institutional arbitration centre on a university campus. Part of IIAM's 'Gateway to Justice' project, the Centre will provide law students with unparalleled, real-time experience in institutional arbitration, mediation, and case management. It signifies a major pivot towards practical, experiential legal education, aiming to produce future-ready dispute resolution experts and enhance public access to justice.

The legal landscape is undergoing a profound transformation, moving rapidly toward efficient, amicable, and business-friendly Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms like arbitration and mediation. Recognizing this global shift, Mahindra University’s School of Law has partnered with the Indian Institute of Arbitration and Mediation (IIAM) to launch a pioneering initiative: the 'Seeding Centre for Peace and Justice'.

​This newly established facility is not merely an academic center; it is a fully functioning Institutional Arbitration and Mediation Centre situated right on the university campus. This significant development marks a crucial milestone in Indian legal education, as it is set to be India's first institutional arbitration centre established directly on a university campus.

​The collaboration is a direct response to the industry's demand for "future-ready" legal professionals who possess not just theoretical knowledge but also hands-on, procedural expertise in managing and resolving complex commercial and civil disputes. By integrating professional dispute resolution services into the curriculum, Mahindra University is setting a new benchmark for practical, skills-based law training for the class of 2026 and beyond.

​ A Paradigm Shift in Legal Training: Experience Meets Academia

​The primary goal of the 'Seeding Centre for Peace and Justice' is to bridge the long-standing gap between academic learning and professional practice. Law students will no longer rely solely on simulated exercises; they will be immersed in the operational reality of institutional dispute resolution.

• ​Real-Time Case Management and Exposure: 
  • ​The Centre will host institutional and ad-hoc arbitration and mediation proceedings, allowing students to observe, shadow, and, where appropriate, assist in the administrative management of live cases.
  • ​This provides exposure to the procedural nuances of case filing, scheduling hearings, fee calculation, and managing communication between parties and the tribunal—essential skills for any modern legal practitioner.
  • ​The Centre will also function as an affiliated centre under IIAM’s advanced Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) platform, 'Peacegate', exposing students to cutting-edge legal technology and digital dispute resolution processes.
• ​Professional Certification and Skill Development: 
  • ​The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) mandates the Centre to host comprehensive training programs in mediation and arbitration, adhering to IIAM’s globally recognized and approved curriculum.
  • ​Students will gain the opportunity to pursue professional credentials and certified skills in areas like mediation advocacy, arbitration advocacy, and case management, which are highly valued by law firms and corporations.
  • ​The initiative will actively cultivate a panel of student, faculty, and professional mediators and arbitrators, fostering a dedicated ecosystem of expertise.
• ​Interdisciplinary Learning and Infrastructure: 
  • ​The Centre aligns perfectly with Mahindra University’s focus on interdisciplinary education, encouraging students to approach dispute resolution by incorporating perspectives from technology, management, and negotiation theory.
  • ​The 'Seeding Centre for Peace and Justice' will be complemented by the existing Mahindra International Dispute Resolution Centre on campus, together creating an unparalleled, full-scale ecosystem for domestic and international commercial dispute resolution training and research.

​ 'Gateway to Justice' Project: Community Impact and Access to ADR

​The establishment of the Centre at Mahindra University extends its impact far beyond the campus grounds. It is a key consortium partner in IIAM's ambitious 'Gateway to Justice' (G2J) project, a nationwide initiative aimed at decentralizing justice delivery and promoting amicable conflict resolution.

• ​Enhancing Community Access to Justice:
  • ​The Centre is designed to serve not just the academic community but also the wider public and small businesses in the local and regional area, offering accessible and cost-effective alternatives to traditional court litigation.
  • ​By offering mediation and arbitration services, the Centre will contribute directly to the social goal of speedy and effective justice delivery, particularly benefiting the underprivileged and those who cannot afford lengthy court battles.
  • ​This active engagement with real-world community issues transforms the law school into a Justice Delivery Centre (JDC), moving beyond its traditional role as merely a training centre.
• ​Fostering a Culture of Peace and Professional Ethics: 
  • ​The initiative emphasizes the promotion of a culture of peaceful and amicable conflict resolution within the student body and the community, aligning with the highest ethical standards of the legal profession.
  • ​Student volunteers and trainee professionals will be involved in outreach and awareness campaigns, educating the public on the benefits of ADR—party autonomy, confidentiality, preservation of relationships, and faster disposal rates.
• ​Career Trajectory and Future Readiness:
  • ​The hands-on experience in institutional settings provides students with a distinct readiness advantage, positioning them as preferred candidates for roles in major law firms, corporate legal departments, and international arbitration bodies that increasingly handle complex, multi-jurisdictional disputes.

​Conclusion

​The partnership between Mahindra University School of Law and the Indian Institute of Arbitration and Mediation to establish the 'Seeding Centre for Peace and Justice' marks a transformative moment for legal education in India. By launching the nation's first on-campus institutional arbitration centre, the collaboration has created a powerful, practical learning laboratory. This initiative is pivotal for future law aspirants, guaranteeing they emerge from their academic studies not just with degrees, but with certified professional skills essential for success in the modern, globalized legal profession. The Centre promises to be a beacon for experiential learning and a significant contributor to improving access to justice across the region.

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