Mediation Council of India Established Under Mediation Act, 2023
Why in the news
The Central Government notified the establishment of the Mediation Council of India on August 27, 2026, putting in place the statutory body envisaged by the Mediation Act, 2023. News of the notification came out on August 28.
Key facts
- Legal basis: Section 31(1) of the Mediation Act, 2023; notified by the Ministry of Law and Justice, Department of Legal Affairs, in the Gazette of India.
- Head office: Delhi, with power to set up other offices in India and abroad.
- The council is a body corporate with perpetual succession and can hold property, enter contracts and sue or be sued.
- The notification itself does not name members, a chairperson or a start date.
Structure and functions
| Aspect | Detail (per the Act) |
|---|---|
| Composition | Chairperson, members, ex-officio members, member-secretary and a part-time member |
| Term | Four years, with reappointment possible |
| Age ceiling | 70 years for the chairperson; 67 years for other members |
| Functions | Register mediators, set ethics standards, recognise institutes, run training, keep an electronic repository of settlement agreements |
About the Mediation Act, 2023
The Act was passed to promote institutional mediation, make mediated settlements enforceable and support dispute resolution in commercial and non-commercial matters. The council aims to build India as a hub for domestic and international mediation.
Exam angle
- Link the council to the Mediation Act, 2023 and Section 31.
- Remember the head office, Delhi, and the age limits of 70 and 67.
- It is a statutory body under the Ministry of Law and Justice.