BITS Law School, Mumbai, a new-age Law School under the aegis of BITS Pilani, an Institution of Eminence, has signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ahmadi Foundation to institute the Justice A.M. Ahmadi Gold Medal for Excellence in Alternative Dispute Resolution. The medal honours Justice Ahmadi’s pioneering contributions to alternative dispute resolution (ADR)
Justice Aziz Mushabber Ahmadi, the 26th Chief Justice of India (1994–1997), was one of the most respected figures in the Indian legal judiciary. His career—beginning in the district courts of Ahmedabad and culminating in the nation’s highest judicial office—was marked by an unwavering commitment to constitutional values, judicial independence, and minority rights.
The annual award is open to students of the B.A. LL.B. (Hons.) and B.B.A. LL.B. (Hons.) Programmes at BITS Law School. The medal will be conferred upon a graduating student who has demonstrated academic excellence in ADR, mediation, and allied courses, and who also embodies Justice Ahmadi’s ideals of timely, humane, and accessible justice.
Prof. (Dr.) Ashish Bharadwaj, Founding Dean, BITS Law School, said “This MoU is not just a document of intellectual collaboration and friendship to institute a Gold Medal; it is a commitment to creating meaningful ways for students and future lawyers to engage with and reflect upon the values that Justice A.M. Ahmadi stood for — values eloquently captured in The Fearless Judge, a book authored by Insiyah Vahanvaty. This association will be embedded in BITS Law School’s journey, aligning seamlessly with its core values. Beyond the Gold Medal, this partnership envisions a broader scope — including research projects, short courses on landmark judgments, and impactful legal aid initiatives.”
Insiyah Vahanvaty, Trustee, Ahmadi Foundation, said “The Ahmadi Foundation is honoured by this recognition of Justice Ahmadi’s pioneering role in advancing Alternative Dispute Resolution in India, which culminated in the introduction of Section 89 of the Civil Procedure Code — giving formal recognition to mediation as an alternative to litigation. Justice Ahmadi believed justice must be both accessible and efficient, viewing ADR as essential to that vision. We remain grateful to BITS Law School for this thoughtful tribute, for upholding and advancing this legacy, and we look forward to supporting the next generation of legal minds who will carry these ideals forward.”
Widely regarded as a ‘Citizen’s Judge’, Justice Ahmadi played a central role in landmark decisions that continue to shape Indian jurisprudence. He was also a champion of legal education and institutional reform. The 1994 Ahmadi Committee Report played a pivotal role in reshaping legal education in India. His strong advocacy for non-adversarial forms of justice, including mediation and Lok Adalats, led to structural reforms such as Section 89 of the Civil Procedure Code and inspired the Mediation Act, 2023.
His legacy is one of courage, clarity, and an enduring commitment to justice, inclusion, and legal reform.
