A Role Of Mediation In Resolving Student And Academic Grievances For Good Academic Governance
- IJLLR Journal
- May 7
- 1 min read
Anjali Chamediya, LLM, Maharashtra National Law University, Nagpur
ABSTRACT
Higher education institutions in India function as vibrant yet complex ecosystems where disputes between students and administration are inevitable due to diverse academic, administrative, financial, and equity- related issues. Despite the existence of formal grievance redressal mechanisms under the University Grants Commission (Redressal of Grievances of Students) Regulations, 2023 and the policy framework of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, these systems frequently suffer from perceived bias, procedural delays, lack of confidentiality, weak enforcement, and an adversarial approach. Such shortcomings often erode student trust and lead to unnecessary escalation of disputes to overburdened courts. This doctrinal study examines the nature and types of student-administration disputes in Indian Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and critically analyses the limitations of existing internal grievance redressal mechanisms. It explores mediation as a structured, voluntary, confidential, and relationship-preserving Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanism under the Mediation Act, 2023 and Section 89 of the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908. Drawing insights from international best practices in universities such as Emory University, University of Georgia (USA), and University of Melbourne (Australia), the study highlights mediation's potential to deliver faster, fairer, and more harmonious outcomes. The research establishes that the integration of mediation into institutional grievance processes can significantly reduce resolution timelines, minimise litigation, restore trust, and promote campus harmony. It concludes by offering practical, multi-pronged suggestions for institutionalising mediation through dedicated campus mediation centres, capacity building, policy integration, and cultural transformation in Indian HEIs.
Keywords: Student Grievance, Higher Education System, Mediation, Dispute Resolution, Student-Administration Dispute
