CORD Mediation • Online • Confidential
Mediation on CORD
Voluntary, confidential dispute resolution delivered online through expert mediators, structured support, and settlement-focused workflows.
What is Mediation?
A collaborative, settlement-focused alternative to litigation
Mediation is a voluntary, confidential process where a neutral third party — the mediator — helps disputing parties reach a mutually acceptable settlement. Unlike arbitration, the mediator does not impose a decision; they facilitate dialogue and help parties find common ground.
In India, mediation is recognised under the Mediation Act, 2023 and supported by the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996 (Part III). A settlement agreement reached through CORD mediation is binding on the parties and can be made an order of court. CORD makes it fully online — no travel, no physical hearings, and no unnecessary delays.
Why Choose Mediation?
Speed
Mediation at CORD typically concludes within 30–45 days — far faster than arbitration or litigation.
Preservation of relationships
The collaborative process helps parties maintain business and personal relationships through amicable resolution.
Confidentiality
All proceedings and outcomes remain private — protecting sensitive commercial information.
Party control
Parties retain full control over the outcome — no decision is imposed without their agreement.
Cost-effective
Significantly lower cost than arbitration or litigation, particularly for commercial and employment disputes.
Providing for Mediation in Your Contracts
One clause is all it takes to enable amicable resolution
Including a CORD mediation clause in your contracts creates a structured pathway to resolve disputes amicably before escalating to arbitration or litigation. It signals good faith, reduces legal costs, and often results in faster, relationship-preserving outcomes.
01
Use the standard CORD clause
CORD's model mediation clause covers the scope of disputes, governing rules, online format, and the binding nature of any settlement reached.
02
Customise for your context
Specify the time limit for mediation, language of proceedings, and escalation to arbitration if mediation fails. CORD's clause builder guides you through each choice.
03
Include it in every agreement
Insert the clause in commercial contracts, vendor agreements, employment contracts, and customer terms. It creates an amicable first step before any formal proceedings.
Mediation FAQs
Everything you need to know about process, readiness, clause drafting, and resources on CORD.
How does mediation work on CORD?+
A structured, mediator-facilitated process conducted entirely online — from filing to settlement agreement.
View How it works →What do we need to file for mediation with CORD?+
If you have these basics, you can start immediately.
Mediation agreement or consent
A contract clause or written consent between parties referring the dispute to CORD mediation.
Request for mediation
A written request describing the dispute, parties involved, and desired outcome.
Registration fee
Payable upon filing, as set out in the CORD Rules.
Representative details
For parties represented by counsel or authorized signatories.
Supporting documents
Relevant contracts, correspondence, and evidence that clarify issues for mediation.
Once filed, CORD's Registrar appoints an appropriate mediator from its panel and schedules online sessions. Resolution is typically targeted within 30–45 days.
Start MediationHow do we make contracts CORD-ready for mediation?+
Adding a mediation clause creates an opportunity for amicable resolution before arbitration or litigation.
Sample Mediation Clause
“Any dispute, controversy, or claim arising out of or relating to this contract shall first be referred to mediation administered by the Centre for Online Resolution of Disputes (CORD) in accordance with its Rules of Mediation. The mediation shall be conducted online, and the settlement agreement, if reached, shall be final and binding on the parties.”
Where can I download mediation resources?+
Ready to begin mediation?
File online in minutes. We'll guide you step-by-step.