Reference to Mediation
As per provision of Order X Rules 1-A of the
CPC after recording admission or denial of documents, the Court
is under an obligation to direct the parties to opt for any
of the four modes of alternative dispute resolution including
mediation. The request for reference of a dispute to mediation
can be made by both the parties.
A wide nature of disputes, including Matrimonial, Labour, Motor
Accident Claims, eviction matters between landlord and tenants,
Complaints under Section 138 of Negotiable Instrument Act, Petitions
under Section 125 Cr. P.C. or any compoundable offence can be
referred for mediation. If only one of the parties makes a request
and the other party is not averse to the idea of mediation,
the dispute can still be referred. Any court can otherwise make
a reference of a dispute as provided under Section 89 of Code
of Civil Procedure. Lawyers can assist the parties in the mediation
proceedings. Rather, it has been found that wherever the parties
are assisted by their advocates, a settlement is arrived at
a bit early, for the lawyers can explain the weakness and strength
of their respective cases and the time factor which might be
taken in litigation. Since the proceedings before a mediator
are informal the parties can even bring any of their relations
to assist them.