Mediation Council of India Begins Operations from New Delhi Office

The Mediation Council of India (MCI), the statutory body established under the Mediation Act, 2023, commenced functioning on 19 October 2026 from its office at the Indian Law Institute Building, Bhagwan Das Marg, New Delhi, marking another significant step towards implementing India's statutory mediation framework.

The office was made operational in the presence of Dr Rajiv Mani, Chairperson of the Mediation Council of India, Shri Ajay Kumar Arora, Joint Secretary (Arbitration and Conciliation), and other senior officials of the Council and the Department of Legal Affairs.

The commencement of operations follows the Central Government's notification dated 27 August 2026, formally establishing the Council under Section 31(1) of the Mediation Act, 2023.

The Council has a central role in developing India's institutional and regulatory framework for mediation. Its statutory responsibilities include promoting domestic and international mediation, establishing professional and ethical standards for mediators, facilitating mediator registration, recognising mediation institutes and mediation service providers, and supporting mediation education and training.

The operationalisation of the Council represents an important transition from its formal establishment towards the development of the institutional mechanisms envisaged under the Mediation Act.

The development is expected to strengthen institutional mediation, promote public confidence in mediation services, and support the wider adoption of mediation as an accessible, effective and consensual means of dispute resolution.