Over 42,000 Cases Referred For Mediation In Kerala Under 'Mediation For The Nation 2.0'

According to a press release, more than 42,000 cases across the State have already been referred for mediation, with around 3,400 cases successfully settled so far.

Several of the settled matters were long-pending disputes, which were unresolved for 37 years, 32 years, 26 years, 23 years, and 19 years, apart from numerous matters pending for over five years. The mediation proceedings are currently ongoing in the remaining referred cases.

The 90-day campaign seeks to promote amicable dispute resolution through mediation, offering litigants a faster, cost-effective, and mutually beneficial alternative to prolonged litigation. Under the campaign guidelines, courts identify cases suitable for mediation and refer them to court-annexed mediation centres, irrespective of their scheduled hearing dates.

In Kerala, the Kerala State Mediation and Conciliation Centre (KSMCC) has put in place comprehensive arrangements to implement the campaign effectively. Mediation sessions are being conducted at court-annexed centres across the State, with options for both physical and online participation, ensuring convenience and accessibility for parties.

Mediation services at these centres are provided free of cost, and litigants whose cases are settled through mediation are entitled to a full refund of court fees. Cases that do not result in settlement are returned to the courts for continuation of regular judicial proceedings.

Two cases have been settled in the Union Territory of Lakshadweep as well, which marks a significant milestone in the history of Lakshadweep.