The primary objective of mediation is to assist disputing parties in reaching a mutually acceptable resolution to their conflict without resorting to litigation.

Confidentiality is a fundamental principle of mediation, ensuring that the discussions and information shared during the process remain private and are not disclosed to third parties without the consent of the parties involved.

Mediation is typically facilitated by a neutral third party known as a mediator, who possesses the necessary skills and training to guide the parties through the mediation process and assist them in reaching a settlement.

The mediator's role is to facilitate communication between the parties, help them understand each other's perspectives, and guide them towards finding a mutually acceptable resolution.

Mediation offers several benefits over litigation, including its less adversarial nature, reduced stress for the parties, quicker and less expensive process, and the opportunity for the parties to actively participate in shaping the outcome of their dispute.

Mediation can be used at any stage of the legal process, whether before a lawsuit is filed, during the trial, or even after a judgment has been issued.

The Mediation and Conciliation Rules, 2004, issued under the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996, provide the legal framework for mediation in India.

A mediation agreement typically includes the terms of the settlement reached by the parties, the signatures of the parties and the mediator, and the date on which the agreement was reached.

The binding nature of a mediation agreement depends on the terms agreed upon by the parties. Some agreements may be legally binding, while others may not.

Mediation offers several advantages over other forms of ADR, including its less formal and adversarial nature, the parties' control over the outcome, and its quicker and less expensive process.

Mediation may face challenges such as the parties' unwillingness to compromise, the mediator's lack of impartiality or skills, and the time-consuming nature of the process.

Effective mediators possess strong communication, problem-solving, and active listening skills, enabling them to facilitate productive discussions and guide the parties towards a mutually acceptable resolution.

The court's role in mediation is primarily to enforce the mediation agreement if it is legally binding and one of the parties fails to comply with its terms.

Mediation can be used to resolve a wide range of disputes, including family disputes, commercial disputes, employment disputes, and many others.

The success rate of mediation in India varies depending on various factors such as the nature of the dispute, the parties' willingness to compromise, and the mediator's skills and experience.