Mediation Centre

PART II

(a) These Guidelines in Part. II shall be called the 'Civil Procedure Mediation (Gujarat) Draft Rules, 2007.

(b) These Draft Rules shall come into force from the date of their publication in the official Gazette..

(a) Parties to a suit may all agree on the name of the sole mediator for mediating between them.

(b) Where, there are two sets of parties and are unable to agree on a sole mediator, each set of parties shall nominate a mediator.

(c) Where parties agree on a sole mediator under, clause (a) or where parties nominate more than one mediator under clause (b), the mediator need not necessarily be from the panel of mediators referred to in Rule 3 nor. bear the qualifications referred to in Rule 4 but should not be a person who suffers from toe disqualifications referred to in Rule 5.

(d) Where there are more than two sets of parties having diverse interests, each set shall nominate a person on its behalf and the said nominees shall select the sole mediator and failing unanimity in that behalf, the Court shall appoint a sole mediator.

(a) The High Court shall, for the purpose of appointing mediators between parties in suits filed on its original side, prepare a panel of mediators and publish the same on its Notice Board, within ninety days of the coming into force of these Guidelines, with copy to the Bar Association attached to the High Court.

(b)(i) The Courts of the Principal District and Sessions Judge in each District or the Courts of the Principal Judge of the City Civil Court or Courts of equal status shall, for the purposes of appointing mediators to mediate between parties in suits filed on their original side, prepare a panel of mediators, within a period of ninety days of the commencement of these Guidelines, after obtaining the approval of the High Court to the names included in the panel, and shall publish the same on their respective Notice Boards.

(ii) Copies of the said panels referred to in clause(i) shall be forwarded to all the Courts of equivalent jurisdiction or Courts subordinate to the Courts referred to in sub-clause (i) and to the Bar associations attached to each of the Courts :

(c) The consent of the persons whose names are included in the panel shall be obtained before empanelling them.

(d) The panel of names shall contain a detailed Annexure giving details of the qualifications of the mediators and their professional or technical experience in different fields.

The following persons shall be treated as qualified and eligible for being enlisted in the panel of mediators under Rule 3, namely :

(a)(i)Retired Judges of the Supreme Court of India; (ii) Retired Judges of the High Court;

(iii) Retired Principal District and Sessions Judges or retired Judges of the City Civil Court or Courts of equivalent status.

(b)Advocates with at least ten years standing at the Bar at the level of the Supreme Court or the High Court, or the District Courts or Courts of equivalent status equivalent to the Court where the dispute is pending:

(c)Experts or other professionals with at least fifteen years standing; or retired Class-I Government officers.

(d)Institutions which are themselves experts in mediation and have been recognized as such by the High Court, provided the names of its members are approved by the High Court initially or whenever there is change in membership.

The following persons shall be deemed to be disqualified for being empanelled as mediators:

(i)  any person who has been adjudged as insolvent or is declared of unsound mind.

(ii) or any person against whom criminal charges involving moral turpitude are framed by a criminal court and are pending, or

(iii)any person who has been convicted by a criminal court for any offence involving moral turpitude;

(iv) any person against whom disciplinary proceedings or charges relating to moral turpitude have been initiated by the appropriate disciplinary authority which are pending or have resulted in a punishment. any person who is interested or connected with the subject-matter of dispute or is related to any one of the parties or to those who represent them, unless such objection is waived by all the parties in writing.

(vi) any legal practitioner who has or is appearing for any of the parties in the suit or in any other suit or proceedings, unless the parties waive in writing the objection available on this ground.

(vii)such other categories of persons as may be notified by the High Court.

The mediator shall conduct the mediation at one or other of the following places:

(i)Venue of the Lok Adalat or permanent Lok Adalat.

(ii)Any place identified by the Court for the purpose of conducting mediation.

(iii) Any place identified by the Bar Association or State Bar Council for the purpose of mediation.

(iv) Any other, place as may be agreed upon by the parties subject to the approval of the Court.

The Court shall, while nominating any person from the panel of mediators referred to in Rule.3, consider his suitability for resolving the particular class of dispute involved in the suit and shall give preference to those who have proven record of successful mediation or who have special qualification or experience in mediation.

(a) When a person is approached in connection with his possible appointment as a mediator, the person shall disclose to the parties, any circumstances likely to give rise to a justifiable doubt as to his independence or impartiality.

(b) Every: mediator shall, from the time of his appointment and throughout the continuance of the mediation proceedings, without delay, disclose to the parties about the existence of any of the circumstances referred to in clause" (a).

Upon information furnished by the mediator under Rule 8 or upon any other information received from the parties or other persons, upon application made by any party or otherwise, if the Court, in which the suit is filed, is satisfied, after conducting such inquiry as it deems fit, and after giving a hearing to the mediator, that the said information has raised a justifiable doubt as to the mediator's independence or impartiality, it shall cancel the appointment' by a reasoned order and replace him by another mediator.

A person whose name is placed in the panel referred to in Rule 3 may be removed or his name be deleted from the said panel, by the Court which empanelled him, if: 

(i)  he resigns or withdraws his name from the panel for any reason;

(ii) he is declared insolvent or is declared-of unsound mind;

(iii)he is a person against whom criminal charges involving moral turpitude are framed by a criminal court and are pending;

(iv) he is a person who has been convicted by a criminal court for any offence involving moral turpitude;

(v)  he is a person against whom disciplinary proceedings on charges relating to moral turpitude have been initiated by appropriate disciplinary authority, which are pending or have resulted in a punishment;

(vi) he exhibits or displays conduct, during the continuance of the mediation proceedings, which is unbecoming of a mediator;

(vii)the Court which empanelled, upon receipt of information, if it is satisfied, after conducting such inquiry as it deem fit, is of the view, that it is not possible or desirable to continue the name of that person in the panel,Provided that, before removing or deleting his name, under clause (vi) and (vii), the Court shall hear the mediator whose name is proposed to be removed or deleted from the panel and shall pass a reasoned order.

(a) The parties may agree on the procedure to be followed by the mediator in the conduct of the mediation proceedings.

(b) Where the parties do not agree on any particular procedure to be followed by the mediator, the mediator shall follow the procedure hereinafter mentioned, namely :

(i) he shall fix, in consultation with the parties, a time schedule, the dates and the time of each mediation session, where all parties have to be present;

(ii)he shall hold the mediation conference in accordance with the provisions of Rule 6;

(iii)he may conduct joint or separate meetings with the parties;

(iv)each party shall, ten days before a session, provide to the mediator, a brief memorandum, possibly in non adversarial forum, setting forth the issues, which according to it, need to be resolved, and its position in respect to those issues and all information reasonably required for the mediator to understand the issue; such memoranda shall also be mutually exchanged between the parties;

(v) each party shall furnish to the -mediator, copies of pleadings or documents or such other information as may be required by him in connection with the issues to be resolved. Provided that where the mediator is of the opinion that he should look into any original document, the Court may permit him to look into the original document before such officer of the Court and on such date or time as the Court may fix.

(vi)each party shall furnish to the mediator such other information as may be; required by him in connection with the issues to be resolved.

(c)    Where there is^: more than one mediator,-the mediator nominated by each party shall first confer with the party that nominated him and shall thereafter interact with the other mediators, with a view to resolving the disputes.

The mediator shall not be bound by the Code of Civil Procedure 1908 or the Evidence Act, 1872, but shall be guided by principles of fairness and justice, and also have regard to usages of trade, if any, and the nature of the dispute.

(a) The parties shall be present personally or may be represented by their advocates or power of attorney holders at the meetings or sessions notified by the mediator. However, a close relative or friend may remain present with authority letter obtained from the mediator at the commencement of the hearing.

(b) If a party fails to attend a session or a meeting notified by the mediator, other parties or the mediator can apply to the Court in which the suit is' filed, to issue appropriate directions to that party to attend before the mediator and if the Court finds that a party is absenting himself before the mediator without sufficient reason, the Court may take action against the said party by imposition of costs.

(c) The parties not resident in India, may be represented by their counsel or power of attorney holders at the sessions or meetings.

In order to facilitate the conduct of mediation proceedings, the parties, or the mediator with the consent of the parties, may arrange for administrative assistance by a suitable institution or person.

(a) Any party to the suit may, 'without prejudice', offer a settlement to the other party at any stage of the proceedings, with notice to the mediator.

(b) Any party to the suit may make a, 'with prejudice' offer, to the other party at any stage of the proceedings, with notice to the mediator.

(c) Any such offer may be disclosed to the mediator during a joint meeting or an individual meeting. Such offer disclosed during an individual meeting may be disclosed by the mediator to the other party as per the instructions of the party making the offer.

The mediator shall attempt to facilitate voluntary resolution of the dispute by the parties, and communicate the views of each party to the other, assist them in identifying issues, reducing misunderstandings, clarifying priorities, exploring areas of compromise and generating options in an attempt to solve the dispute, emphasizing that it is the responsibility of the parties to take decision which affect them; he shall not impose any terms of settlement on the parties.

The parties must understand that the mediator only facilitates, in arriving at a decision to resolve disputes and that he will not and cannot impose any settlement nor does the mediator give any warranty that the mediation will result in a settlement. The mediator shall not impose any decision on the parties.

On the expiry of ninety days from the date fixed for the first appearance of the parties before, the mediator, the mediation shall stand terminated, unless the Court, which referred the matter, either suo moto, or upon "request by the mediator or any of the parties, and upon hearing all the parties, is of the view that extension of time is necessary or may be useful; but such extension shall not be beyond a period of thirty days at a time unless the Court records reasons for granting extension for a longer period, provided that the total period of all extensions shall not exceed one hundred twenty days.

While no one can be compelled to commit to settle his case in advance of mediation, all parties shall commit to participate in the proceedings in good faith with the intention to settle the dispute, if possible.

(1) When a mediator receives confidential information concerning the dispute from any party, he shall disclose the substance of that information to the other party, if permitted by the first party.

(2) when a party gives information to the mediator subject to a specific condition that it be kept confidential, the mediator shall not disclose that information to the other party, nor shall the mediator voluntarily divulge any information regarding the documents or what is conveyed to him orally as to what transpired during the mediation.

(3) Receipt or perusal, or preparation of records, reports or other documents by the mediator, or receipt of information orally by the mediator while serving in that capacity, shall be confidential and the mediator shall not be compelled to divulge information regarding the documents nor in regard to the oral information nor as to what transpired during the  mediation.

(4)    Parties shall maintain confidentiality in respect of events that transpired during mediation and shall not rely on or introduce the said information in any other proceedings including the proceedings where from the reference has arisen as to :

(a)  views expressed by a party in the course of the mediation proceedings;

(b)  documents obtained, during the mediation which were expressly required to be treated as confidential or other notes, drafts or information given by parties or mediators;

(c) proposals made or views expressed by the mediator,

(d) admission made by a party in the course of mediation proceedings;

(e) the  fact, that  a  party had  or had  not  indicated willingness to accept a proposal;

(5)There shall be no stenographic or audio or video recording of the mediation proceedings, except with the prior written consent of the parties and the mediator.

Mediation sessions and meetings are private; only the concerned parties or their counsel or power of attorney holders can attend. Other persons may attend only with the permission of the parties or with the consent of the mediator.

No mediator shall be held liable for anything bona fide done or omitted to be done by him during the mediation proceedings for civil or criminal action nor shall he be summoned by any party to the suit to appear in a Court of law to testify in regard to information received by him or action taken by him or in respect of drafts or records prepared by him or shown to him during the mediation proceedings.

(a)  In order to preserve the confidence of parties in the Court and the neutrality of the mediator, there should be no communication between the mediator and the Court, except as stated in clauses (b) and (c) of this Rule.

(b)  If any communication between the mediator and the Court is necessary, it shall be in writing and copies of the same shall be given to the parties or their counsel or power of attorney.

(c) Communication between the mediator and the Court shall be limited to communication by the mediator:

(i)  with the Court about the failure of party to attend;

(ia) with the Court about the need for extension of the time limit for completion of mediation;

(ii) with the Court with the consent of the parties;

(hi) regarding his assessment that the case is not suited for settlement through mediation;

(iv) that the parties have settled the dispute or disputes.

(1) Where an agreement is reached between the parties in regard to all the issues in the suit or some of the issues, the same shall be reduced to writing and signed by the parties or their power of attorney holder. If any counsel have represented the parties, they shall attest the signature of their respective clients.

(2) The agreement of the parties so. signed and attested shall be submitted to the mediator who shall, with a covering letter signed by him, forward the same to the Court in which the suit is pending with a direction to the parties to appear before the Court on a specific date.

(3) Where no agreement is arrived at between the parties, before the time limit stated in Rule  18 or where, the mediator is of the view that no settlement is possible, he shall report the same to the said Court in writing.

(1) Within seven days of the receipt of any settlement, the
Court shall issue notice to the parties fixing a day for
recording the settlement, such date not being beyond a further period of fourteen days from the date of receipt of settlement, and the Court, shall record the settlement, if it is not collusive.

(2) The Court shall then pass a lawful decree in accordance with the settlement so recorded, if the settlement disposes of all the issues in the suit.

(3) If the settlement disposes of only certain issues arising in the suit, the Court shall record the settlement on the date fixed for recording the settlement and

(i) if the issues are servable from other issues and if a decree could be passed to the extent of the settlement covered by those issues, the Court may pass a decree straightaway in accordance with the settlement on those issues without waiting for a decision of the Court on the other issues which are not settled.

(ii) if the issues are not servable, the Court shall wait for a decision of the Court on the other issues which are not settled.

(1) At the time of referring the disputes to mediation, the Court shall, after consulting the mediator and the parties, fix the fee of the mediator.

(2) As far as possible a consolidated sum may be fixed rather than for each session or meeting.

(3) Where there are two mediators as in clause (b) of Rule 2, the -Court shall fix the fee payable to the mediators which shall be shared equally by the two sets of parties.

(4) The expense of the mediation including the fee of the mediator, costs of administrative assistance, and other ancillary expenses concerned, shall be borne equally by the various contesting parties or as may be otherwise directed by the Court.

(5) Each party shall bear the costs for production of witnesses on his side including experts, or for production of documents.

(6) The mediator may, before the commencement of mediation, direct the parties to deposit equal sums, tentatively, to the extent of 40% of the probable costs of the mediation as referred to in clauses (1), (3) and (4). The remaining 60% shall be deposited with the mediator, after the conclusion of mediation. For the amount of cost paid to the mediator he shall issue the necessary receipts and a statement of account shall be filed, by the mediator in the Court.

(7) The expense of mediation including fee, if not paid by the parties, the Court shall, on the application of the mediator or parties, direct the concerned parties to pay, and if they do not pay, the Court shall recover the said amounts as if there was a decree for the said amount

(8) Where a party is entitled to legal aid under section 12 of the Legal Services Authority Act, 1987, the amount of fee payable to the mediator and costs shall be paid by the concerned Legal Services Authority under that Act.

The mediator shall: (1) follow and observe these Rules strictly and with due diligence; (2) not carry on any activity or conduct which could reasonably be considered as conduct unbecoming of a mediator; (3) uphold the integrity and fairness of the mediation process; (4) ensure that the parties involved in the mediation are fairly informed and have an adequate understanding. of the procedural aspects of the process; (5) satisfy himself/herself that he/she is qualified to undertake and complete the assignment in a professional manner; (6) disclose   any   interest   or   relationship likely to affect
impartiality   or   which   might   seek   an   appearance   of partiality or bias; (7) avoid, while communicating with the. parties, any impropriety or appearance of impropriety; (8) be faithful to the relationship of trust and confidentiality imposed in the office of mediator; (9) conduct all proceedings related to the resolutions of a dispute, in accordance with the applicable law; (10) recognize that mediation is based on principles of self-determination by the parties and that mediation process relies upon the ability of parties to reach a voluntary, undisclosed agreement; (11) maintain the reasonable expectations of the parties as to confidentiality; (12) refrain from promises or guarantees of results.

Until a panel of mediators is prepared by the High Court and the District Court, the Courts referred to in Rule 3, may nominate a mediator of their choice if the mediator belongs to any of the classes of persons referred to in Rule 4 (and is not disqualified under Rule 5) taking into account the suitability of the mediator, for resolving the particular dispute.

Copy forwarded with compliments to :- The Secretary to the Government of Gujarat, Legal Department, Sachivalaya Gandhinagar (by letter).

The Advocate General, High Court of Gujarat, Ahmedabad.

The Government Pleader, High Court of Gujarat, Ahmedabad.

The President, Gujarat High Court Advocates' Association, Ahmedabad.

The Secretary, Bar Council of Gujarat, Ahmedabad.

The Principal Judge, City Civil Court, Ahmedabad.

The Principal Judge, Family Court, Ahmedabad. The Principal District Judge,

The Chief Judge, Small Cause Court, Ahmedabad.

The Chief Metropolitan Magistrate, Ahmedabad.

The President, Industrial Court, Ahmedabad.     

The Manager, Government Central Press, Gandhinagar, with a request to publish the Notification in the next issue of Government Gazette and send 20 copies of the same to this High Court, for office use.

HIGH COURT OF GUJARAT,

SOLA, AHMEDABAD-380060