The Union Cabinet in New Delhi has approved two bills, namely The Mediation Bill, 2021 and the Press and Registration of Periodicals Bill, 2023. The mediation bill was initially introduced in the Rajya Sabha in December 2021 and was later sent to the standing committee. The committee’s report was presented in the Lok Sabha in July 2022.

After receiving approval from the cabinet, the mediation bill will now be brought to the Lok Sabha for further consideration and passing. Additionally, the union cabinet also cleared the Press and Registration of Periodicals Bill, 2023. This bill focuses on the press and registration of periodicals and related matters.

The Mediation Bill aims to encourage individuals to resolve civil or commercial disputes through mediation before approaching a court or tribunal. Parties involved in the dispute have the option to withdraw from mediation after two sessions. The mediation process should be completed within 180 days, with the possibility of extending it by another 180 days with mutual consent.

To support the implementation of this bill, the Mediation Council of India will be established. The council will be responsible for registering mediators, recognizing mediation service providers, and accrediting mediation institutes that train and certify mediators. The bill also includes a list of disputes that are not suitable for mediation, although the central government can make amendments to this list.

In cases where parties cannot agree on a mediator, they can request a mediation service provider to appoint a mediator from their panel. Agreements resulting from mediation will have the same binding and enforceable status as court judgments. The bill will now be introduced in the Lok Sabha for further consideration and passing.

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