Kerala High Court Summons Home Secretary Over Failure To Pay Mediator Fees & Victim Compensation

The Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Soumen Sen and Justice Syam Kumar V.M issued the directions.

The Court was considering a suo motu petition concerning the infrastructural requirements of mediation centres, including the adequate support staff and regular office stationary.

The Court had earlier constituted a Mediation Infrastructure Committee to address the issues of infrastructural deficiencies in mediation centres across the State and the Director of the Kerala State Mediation and Conciliation Centre was appointed as the Coordinator of the Committee.

During the previous hearing the Court was assured that the release of the fees of the Mediator and the victim compensation will be considered on an urgent basis and the progress will be disclosed to the Court.

On Thursday, when the matter was taken up, the Court was unsatisfied with the progress and hence directed the Home Secretary to be personally present on the next posting date.

“What is the use of deliberation when the amount is not paid…We want the officer to be present here on Monday” Court said.

The matter is posted on 16 March for further consideration.

Case Title: Suo Motu v State of Kerala and Ors

Case No: WP(C) 42844/ 2025

Counsel for Respondents: O M Shalina (DSGI), Shibi K P, Leo Lukose, Ramola Nayanpally, Vinitha B (Sr. GP), N Manoj Kumar

Amicus Curiae: Adarsh Kumar