"The entire country is talking about mediation today. Mediation has really picked up momentum. Private corporations, MNCs, banks, etc., have approached the Supreme Court seeking training for in-house mediators. I think mediation is the need of the hour," he said.

Stressing that mediation can significantly reduce pendency, he cited the law minister's participation in mediation conferences and the prime minister's emphasis on building capacity for mediation.

On the government being the biggest litigant, often filing appeals even in matters it has lost, Justice Kant said he would encourage the government and its agencies to opt for mediation.

Responding to a question on social media trolling of the Supreme Court and judges, he said, “Agar problem aati hai toh samadhan bhi aata hai” (If a problem comes, the solution also comes).

On the issue of centralisation of High Court benches, he said that states have their own historical and logistical reasons behind the location of benches.

"Uttar Pradesh has the Lucknow Bench with outstanding infrastructure, but the bench strength is not enough. Allahabad also has a certain sanctioned strength," he noted.

Speaking about Artificial Intelligence (AI), he described it as a grey area.

"We have to determine the boundaries of how much AI we need in the judicial process. We will take a holistic view and consult the Bar," he said.

Addressing concerns about social media trolls and pressure on the judiciary, Justice Kant reiterated that he had never felt pressured at any point in his career.

“I don’t think a judge or the CJI comes under pressure from social media... or what I jokingly call 'unsocial media'. Never carry any burden of such people. Just ignore them. Focus on your work,” he said.

On litigants approaching the Supreme Court directly, he said that the system must examine why people bypass High Courts and lower courts for matters that should be adjudicated there first.