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Nation / Fri, 28 Aug 2026 Bar and Bench

Central government notifies establishment of Mediation Council of India

The Mediation Act requires individuals to try and resolve civil or commercial disputes through mediation before resorting to any court or tribunal. Under the Act, the mediation process is overseen by the MCI. Its responsibilities include registering mediators and recognizing mediation service providers and mediation institutes, which are involved in training and certifying mediators. Certain disputes are deemed inappropriate for mediation such as those involving criminal prosecution or impacting the rights of third parties. The mediation process itself should be completed within 180 days, with the possibility of extending it by another 180 days if the parties agree.

The Mediation Act requires individuals to try and resolve civil or commercial disputes through mediation before resorting to any court or tribunal.

Under the Act, the mediation process is overseen by the MCI. Its responsibilities include registering mediators and recognizing mediation service providers and mediation institutes, which are involved in training and certifying mediators.

Certain disputes are deemed inappropriate for mediation such as those involving criminal prosecution or impacting the rights of third parties. The Central government has the authority to amend this list if needed.

Under the Act, a party will be allowed to withdraw from mediation after two sessions. The mediation process itself should be completed within 180 days, with the possibility of extending it by another 180 days if the parties agree.

In cases where the parties agree, they can appoint any individual as a mediator. If an agreement cannot be reached on the mediator, they can seek the assistance of a mediation service provider which will appoint a mediator from its panel of qualified mediators.

The agreements resulting from successful mediation will be legally binding and enforceable in the same manner as court judgments

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