Court mediation — process + outcomes (2026 guide)

• Mediation Act 2023 (operational since Oct 2023)
• District Mediation Centres at every court complex
• High Court Mediation Centres at most HCs
• Free + voluntary + confidential
• Mediator: trained lawyer / advocate / judge (retired)
• Decision binding only when accepted by both parties

1. Apply for mediation — Court refers; or both parties apply jointly.
2. Mediation date + mediator assigned — Within 30 days.
3. Joint session — opening — Mediator explains process.
4. Caucus / private discussions — Mediator with each side.
5. Negotiation + drafting — Joint or shuttle.
6. Settlement deed signed — If agreed; final + binding.

• Mediation refused by other party — voluntary; can't force.
• Mediator partiality alleged — request alternate; or escalate to centre director.
• Settlement not implemented — execution petition.
• Mediation centre full — RTI for queue + capacity.

Court records are split: judicial records (case file, orders) follow CPC rules + court counter; administrative records (vacancy, infrastructure, listing logic, judges' assets) are disclosable via RTI to the court PIO.

1. Status of my case no. _____ as on date.
2. Reasons for delay / non-listing in past 30 days.
3. Number of similar cases pending + disposed in past 12 months.
4. Procedure to seek certified copy / file inspection.
5. Name + designation of court PIO + appellate authority.

Auto-fill the PIO + your case: Open the AI RTI Drafter →

Free at District + HC Mediation Centres.

Yes — mediator can't disclose. Settlement document is the only public output.

Pre-litigation mediation mandatory for some commercial disputes; institutional framework.

Centre allocates; can request alternate with reason.

• All eCourts + judicial guides
• Helplines
• Full RTI Playbook

Last reviewed: 26 April 2026.