New Committee to Ensure Enhanced Facilities and Efficient Functioning of Mediation Centres Across Kerala
In a significant move to bolster the infrastructure of Mediation and Alternative Dispute Resolution Centres across the State, the Kerala High Court has ordered the constitution of a "Mediation Infrastructure Committee." This decision stems from a suo motu petition addressing the pervasive infrastructural inadequacies that have been impeding the effective functioning of these centres.
The judgment, delivered by a bench comprising Mr. Nitin Jamdar, CJ, and Syam Kumar V.M., J., highlighted the critical lack of basic facilities such as privacy, internet connectivity, drinking water, child-friendly spaces, and adequate staffing in the state's mediation centres. The court underscored the state's obligation to provide adequate infrastructure, emphasizing the importance of both physical and digital facilities in ensuring successful mediation outcomes.
The petition was admitted following reports of severe infrastructural shortcomings from the Kerala State Mediation and Conciliation Centre. With 82 mediation centres, including one at the High Court and several district and sub-centres, the centres faced issues such as lack of permanent venues, inadequate privacy for parties, and insufficient digital infrastructure to conduct online mediations. The lack of basic necessities like drinking water and toilets further exacerbated these challenges.
Following a directive on December 1, 2025, a joint meeting was held later that month with key officials to address these issues. The meeting concluded with the preparation of a priority list identifying centres requiring immediate intervention, and plans were laid to seek necessary fund allocations and create required posts.
The newly formed Mediation Infrastructure Committee will include representatives from key state departments such as the Public Works and Finance Departments, along with the Registrar General of the High Court of Kerala and other significant officials. The Director of the Kerala State Mediation and Conciliation Centre will act as the Co-ordinator of this committee, which is expected to meet every two months to assess and monitor progress.
The court's directive comes at a time when mediation is increasingly being recognized as an essential mechanism for dispute resolution, especially for reducing case backlogs in courts. It is anticipated that the committee's efforts will significantly enhance the mediation process by providing the necessary infrastructure and ensuring confidentiality and comfort for parties involved, particularly in sensitive cases like matrimonial disputes.
The court has also mandated that the developments be reported to the Executive Chairman of the Kerala State Legal Services Authority, ensuring ongoing oversight and support. This initiative marks a pivotal step toward strengthening mediation services in Kerala, setting a precedent for other states to follow in prioritizing ADR infrastructure.
Bottom Line:
Infrastructure deficiencies in Mediation and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Centres - Formation of Mediation Infrastructure Committee to address infrastructural inadequacies and ensure effective functioning of Mediation Centres across the State of Kerala.
Statutory provision(s): Mediation and Alternative Dispute Resolution.
Suo Motu v. State of Kerala, (Kerala)(DB) : Law Finder Doc Id # 2835240
