Day-5: Five Days Certified Training Program on Mediation In collaboration with AIIMAS

Event Date: 31 January 2026

Event brief description

The fifth and concluding day of the second batch of the Five-Day Certified Training Programme on Mediation was held on 31 January 2026. The session commenced with Ms. Jaya Goyal providing a concise recap of the previous day’s proceedings, with particular emphasis on the concept of impasse in the mediation process and the key learnings associated with managing such situations. She then introduced the All India Institute of Mediation and Arbitration Studies (AIIMAS), outlining its role and the range of services it offers in the field of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR). Ms. Goyal also highlighted a significant project undertaken by AIIMAS in collaboration with Happitude Studio, reflecting its practical engagement with mediation initiatives. The session further delved into pre-litigation and court-annexed mediation, discussing the procedural framework, the types of disputes suitable for mediation, and the nature of settlements typically arrived at through these mechanisms.

In the subsequent session, Mr. Deepak Kumar Dhingra explained the concept of mediation in simple and accessible terms. He elaborated on the role of lawyers at various stages of the mediation process, as well as the responsibilities and participation of parties involved. Mr. Dhingra also discussed the key provisions of the Mediation and Conciliation Rules, 2004. The programme concluded with an insightful overview of the Mediation Act, 2023, emphasizing its relevance and necessity in the contemporary legal landscape.

Event Detailed Description

The fifth and final day of the Five-Day Certified Training Programme on Mediation, organised by the School of Law, Galgotias University, in collaboration with the All India Institute of Mediation and Arbitration Studies (AIIMAS), was held on 31 January 2026 with active participation and enthusiasm from the faculty members. The sessions for the day were thoughtfully designed to deepen participants’ conceptual understanding of mediation while simultaneously introducing them to its practical dimensions.

Ms. Jaya Goyal commenced the session with a brief recap of the key discussions from the previous day, drawing particular attention to the concept of impasse in the mediation process and the practical learnings associated with addressing deadlocks during negotiations. This recap helped participants consolidate their understanding of the challenges mediators face and the strategies required to move parties towards resolution. Following this, Ms. Goyal introduced the All India Institute of Mediation and Arbitration Studies (AIIMAS), outlining its institutional role and the range of services it offers in the domain of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR). She also highlighted a notable initiative undertaken by AIIMAS in collaboration with Happitude Studio, underscoring the organisation’s efforts to promote mediation through innovative and practice-oriented projects.

The session then progressed to a detailed discussion on pre-litigation and court-annexed mediation. Ms. Goyal explained that pre-litigation mediation refers to a process in which parties voluntarily engage a private mediator outside the formal judicial system to resolve disputes amicably before initiating legal proceedings. She pointed out that, at present, there is no comprehensive statutory framework governing private mediation in India. However, she noted that with India’s increasing emphasis on mediation and developments such as the signing of the Singapore Convention in 2023, private mediation is gradually receiving greater recognition and institutional support. Ms. Goyal elaborated on the procedural aspects of pre-litigation mediation, the types of disputes commonly referred to this process, and the nature of settlements that typically emerge from such interventions.

She further explained the concept of court-annexed mediation, describing it as a process wherein parties to an ongoing litigation are referred to mediation after the commencement of legal proceedings but before the delivery of judgment. The discussion highlighted the procedural framework, suitability of disputes, and the binding nature of settlements arrived at through court-annexed mediation. Emphasizing the broader objective of mediation, Ms. Goyal reiterated that the fundamental goal of all mediation processes is to facilitate mutually acceptable solutions and settlements, thereby reducing the need for protracted trials and adversarial litigation.

In the subsequent session, Mr. Deepak Kumar Dhingra explained the concept of mediation in simple and accessible terms, ensuring clarity for participants from diverse professional backgrounds. He provided a comprehensive overview of the role of lawyers at different stages of the mediation process, namely pre-mediation, during mediation, and post-mediation. He emphasized that lawyers play a crucial role not only as legal advisors but also as facilitators who support constructive dialogue and informed decision-making. Mr. Dhingra also discussed the importance of the “3Cs and 2As” in mediation, referring to various conflict-handling approaches such as Avoidance, Competitiveness, Accommodative, Collaborative, and Compromise, and their relevance in guiding parties towards resolution.

Additionally, Mr. Dhingra elaborated on the role of parties throughout the mediation process, detailing each stage including the introduction, joint session, initial separate session, subsequent private sessions, final joint session, and post-agreement phase. He highlighted the importance of active participation, good faith, and open communication by the parties at every stage.

In the concluding session, Mr. Dhingra discussed the significant provisions of the Mediation and Conciliation Rules, 2004, followed by an overview of the key features of the Mediation Act, 2023. The session ended with an interactive discussion that enabled participants to gain a comprehensive understanding of the contemporary mediation framework, including concepts such as the mediation fund, mediation institutions, mediation service providers, and the mediation council, thereby reinforcing the relevance and necessity of the Mediation Act, 2023 in the current legal landscape.

The day concluded with a valedictory programme held in the presence of the Chief Guest, Shri Chandra Prakash Goyal (IFS), former Director General of Forests and Special Secretary, Government of India, and Prof. (Dr.) Aditya Tomar, Dean, School of Law, Galgotias University. During the ceremony, all participants were awarded their mediation certificates, marking the successful completion of the programme, and the session formally ended.

Department Name: School of Law

Event Outcome 

The Five Days Certified Training Program on Mediation successfully enhanced participants’ understanding of mediation as a vital tool for conflict resolution. Participants gained practical insights into communication, negotiation, and problem-solving through interactive discussions and case studies. The sessions equipped them with the ability to identify conflicts, manage emotions, and facilitate constructive dialogue between disputing parties. The program fostered a deeper appreciation of mediation’s role in reducing court burdens and promoting restorative justice. Participants left with enhanced confidence, ethical awareness, and transferable skills applicable not only in legal practice but also in professional and personal life situations.

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