KATHMANDU: The Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Sobita Gautam have defended a government proposal to allow judges to serve as mediators, saying their involvement could strengthen public confidence in dispute resolution.
Responding to questions during a discussion on the Mediation (Second Amendment) Bill, 2026, at the Law, Justice and Human Rights Committee on Thursday, Gautam said mediation conducted under a judge’s supervision could carry greater social and institutional credibility.
She said the proposal was intended to build confidence among disputing parties, particularly in local-level conflicts. However, she stressed that the government was open to considering alternatives if stakeholders reached a consensus against involving judges.
Members of Parliament, stakeholders and the Nepal Bar Association have opposed the proposal, arguing that mediation itself is a judicial function. Gautam, however, maintained that mediation could produce fair outcomes through mutual agreement between the parties.
