1. Purpose

These rules establish the procedures for conducting online mediation under the Mediation Act, 2023, as administered by ADREdge. The purpose is to provide a structured and efficient process for resolving disputes through online mediation, ensuring fairness and confidentiality.

2. Scope

These rules apply to all mediation cases managed by ADREdge, where ADREdge provides administrative support and oversight for the online mediation process.

3. Definitions

• • Mediation: A voluntary, confidential process in which a neutral mediator assists parties in dispute to reach a mutually acceptable resolution.
• • Mediator: A qualified and impartial individual appointed by ADREdge to facilitate the mediation process.
• • Party: Any individual or entity involved in the dispute.
• • Settlement Agreement: A written agreement reached by the parties during mediation that resolves the dispute.

4. Application for Mediation

• 1. Filing a Request: To initiate mediation, a party must submit an on-line Request for Mediation to ADREdge, including:
• o A brief description of the dispute
• o Relevant documents and evidence
• o Contact details of all parties involved
• 2. Acknowledgment: ADREdge will acknowledge receipt of the request and confirm whether it falls within its jurisdiction.

5. Appointment of Mediator

• 1. Mediator Selection: ADREdge will provide a qualified mediators from its panel. Alternatively the parties may select a mediator from the ADREdge empanelled list of mediators or request an alternative if necessary.
• 2. Confirmation: The selected mediator must confirm their availability and willingness to mediate the dispute.

6. Mediation Process

• 1.Pre-Mediation Conference: Upon appointment, the mediator will schedule a pre-mediation conference to discuss:
• o Confidentiality
• o The mediation process
• o Scheduling and logistics
• 2. Mediation Sessions: Mediation will be conducted according to the schedule agreed upon by the mediator and the parties. Sessions can be held in person, via telephone, or through video conferencing.
• 3. Confidentiality: All communications, documents, and discussions during the mediation process are confidential and may not be disclosed outside the mediation process except as required by law.

7. Conduct of Mediation

• 1. Neutrality: The mediator will maintain impartiality and neutrality throughout the mediation process.
• 2. Facilitation: The mediator will facilitate discussions, help identify issues, and assist the parties in reaching a mutually acceptable resolution.
• 3. Settlement Agreement:If a settlement is reached, the mediator will assist the parties in drafting a Settlement Agreement, which will be signed by all parties and the mediator and may be recorded with the appropriate authorities if required.

8. Termination of Mediation

• 1. Completion: Mediation will conclude when:
• o A Settlement Agreement is reached and signed by all parties and the mediator
• o The mediator determines that further mediation is unlikely to be successful
• 2 Withdrawal: Any party may withdraw from the mediation process at any time. The mediator will inform ADREdge and all parties to the dispute of the withdrawal by way of a non-settlement report.

9. Fees and Costs

• 1. Fee Structure: ADREdge will provide a fee schedule for mediation services, which includes:
• o Mediator’s fees
• o Administrative fees
• o Any other applicable costs
• 2. Payment: Fees must be paid as per the terms outlined by ADREdge. The parties are responsible for their share of the costs.

10. Enforcement of Settlement

• 1. Settlement Agreement: A Settlement Agreement will be drawn by the mediator . Such agreement shall be binding and enforceable when signed by the parties and authenticated by the mediator. It may be filed with the appropriate legal authorities if required by law. A mediated settlement agreement is final and binding on the parties and, it shall be enforceable as a decree or judgement of a court

11. Review and Appeal

• 1. Review: Parties may request a review of the mediation process if they believe procedural errors have occurred.
• 2. Appeal: Mediation results are final and non-appealable. There is no provision for appeal within the mediation process.

12. Amendments

These rules may be amended by ADREdge to ensure compliance with applicable laws and to improve the mediation process. Any changes will be communicated to all relevant parties.

13. References

• • The Mediation Act, 2023
• • ADREdge Mediation Guidelines
• • Relevant Legislation and Regulations