Chapter IX MEDIATION SERVICE PROVIDERS AND MEDIATION INSTITUTES

1. (1) "mediation service provider" includes--
   • (a) a body or an organisation that provides for the conduct of mediation under this Act and the rules and regulations made thereunder and is recognised by the Council; or
   • (b) an Authority constituted under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987 (39 of 1987); or
   • (c) a court-annexed mediation centre; or
   • (d) any other body as may be notified by the Central Government: Provided that the bodies referred to in clauses (b), (c) and (d) shall be deemed to be mediation service providers recognised by the Council.
2. (2) The mediation service provider shall be recognised by the Council in the manner as may be specified.

The mediation service providers shall perform the following functions, namely:--

1. (a) accredit mediators and maintain panel of mediators;
2. (b) provide the services of mediator for conduct of mediation;
3. (c) provide all facilities, secretarial assistance and infrastructure for the efficient conduct of mediation;
4. (d) promote professional and ethical conduct amongst mediators;
5. (e) facilitate registration of mediated settlement agreements in accordance with the provisions of section 20; and
6. (f) such other functions as may be specified.

The Council shall recognize mediation institutes to perform such duties and exercise such functions as may be specified.