Government is promoting alternate dispute resolution mechanisms including mediation
Issued by Ministry of Law and Justice
Read or download the official PDF of this gazette notification issued by the Ministry of Law and Justice on 13th August 2026. Classified under Press Release.
Executive Summary & Key Takeaways
Executive Summary The Government of India is actively promoting Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms, specifically mediation, to provide a less adversarial substitute for conventional litigation. Key legislative frameworks, including the Commercial Courts Act, 2015, and the Mediation Act, 2023, mandate pre-institution mediation for commercial disputes and establish the Mediation Council of India. Significant milestones include the training of over 15,500 mediators and the operation of 1,846 ADR and Mediation Centres as of March 2026.
Key Points / Main Content
Legislative Framework and Mandatory Mediation
- Commercial Courts Act, 2015: Section 12A mandates Pre-Institution Mediation and Settlement (PIMS) for commercial disputes of specified values. Parties must exhaust this remedy before approaching the Court unless urgent relief is required.
- Mediation Act, 2023: Provides a statutory framework for institutional mediation and establishes the Mediation Council of India under Section 31 to recognize service providers.
- Community Mediation: Section 43 of the Mediation Act, 2023, facilitates the resolution of local disputes affecting peace and harmony through community-based mediation.
Infrastructure and Institutional Support
- National Infrastructure: As of March 2026, there are 452 ADR Centres and 1,394 Mediation Centres functioning across the country.
- NALSA’s Role: The National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) strengthens ADR centres and implements community mediation through State (SLSAs) and District (DLSAs) Legal Services Authorities.
- Funding: NALSA provides grants-in-aid to the Mediation and Conciliation Project Committee (MCPC), constituted by the Supreme Court, to fund training programs.
Capacity Building and Training
- Professional Training: A total of 4,681 Judicial Officers, 10,124 Lawyers, and 753 other mediators have been trained and deployed.
- Specialized Programs: NALSA, in collaboration with the International Academy of Mediators, conducted 15-hour Advanced Commercial Mediation Training Programs in late 2024 and early 2025.
- National Conferences: A national-level Mediation Conference was organized in March 2025 at Bharat Mandapam to raise awareness and build capacity among stakeholders.
Impact Analysis
Stakeholder: Parties to Commercial Disputes Impact Litigants are now legally required to attempt mediation for commercial disputes of a certain value before they can proceed to court adjudication. Action Required Parties must engage with PIMS authorities established under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987, to attempt an amicable settlement before filing a suit.
Stakeholder: Legal Professionals (Lawyers and Judicial Officers) Impact There is a significant shift toward mediation as a preferred dispute resolution mode, creating a high demand for trained mediators. Action Required Professionals should participate in training programs offered by the MCPC and NALSA to gain accreditation and enhance skills in handling complex commercial and community disputes.
Stakeholder: Legal Services Authorities (NALSA, SLSAs, and DLSAs) Impact These bodies are the primary implementers of the government’s mediation initiatives and are responsible for managing ADR infrastructure. Action Required These authorities must continue empanelling mediators, strengthening mediation centres, and facilitating community-based dispute resolution initiatives.
Stakeholder: Mediation Council of India Impact As a newly established national body, it holds the responsibility for regulating and promoting the mediation ecosystem. Action Required The Council must work towards recognizing mediation service providers and establishing mediation as a preferred mode of dispute resolution.