Jaipur Arbitration and Mediation Centre Inaugurated: How RSLSA is Strengthening ADR in Rajasthan

The Rajasthan State Legal Services Authority inaugurated the Jaipur Arbitration and Mediation Centre at Vidhik Seva Sadan, Jaipur, on May 10, 2026. The Centre was inaugurated by Justice Sandeep Mehta, Judge of the Supreme Court of India. This dedicated facility is designed to strengthen the alternative dispute resolution infrastructure in Rajasthan by providing a professional venue for arbitration proceedings, court-annexed mediation, and hybrid dispute resolution processes. The establishment of this centre comes at a significant time, following the enactment of the Mediation Act, 2023, which provides a comprehensive statutory framework for mediation in India for the first time.

What the Jaipur Arbitration and Mediation Centre Offers

The Centre provides dedicated infrastructure for conducting arbitration hearings, mediation sessions, and conciliation proceedings. It includes hearing rooms equipped for both in-person and virtual proceedings, separate caucus rooms for private discussions during mediation, a panel of trained mediators and arbitrators, and administrative support for case management and scheduling. The Centre operates under the aegis of RSLSA, which ensures that its services are accessible to litigants from all economic backgrounds, including those eligible for free legal aid under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987. The hybrid dispute resolution framework supported by the Centre allows parties to combine elements of mediation and arbitration, a process known as med-arb, where parties first attempt mediation and, if unsuccessful, proceed to arbitration with the same or a different neutral. This approach is particularly effective for commercial disputes where parties want the flexibility of negotiation backed by the certainty of a binding outcome.

The Mediation Act 2023 and Its Impact on ADR in India

The Mediation Act, 2023, which received Presidential assent on September 15, 2023, provides the first standalone statutory framework for mediation in India. Before this Act, mediation was governed by scattered provisions in the Code of Civil Procedure, the Commercial Courts Act, and various court rules. The Act recognises both court-referred mediation and private mediation, establishes a framework for the registration of mediators through the Mediation Council of India, and gives legal enforceability to mediated settlement agreements. A mediated settlement agreement under the Act has the same status and effect as a judgment or decree of a court, making it directly enforceable without requiring a separate suit. The Act also introduces pre-litigation mediation as a mandatory step for certain categories of disputes, requiring parties to attempt mediation before filing a suit. The Jaipur Centre is positioned to serve as a key implementation vehicle for these provisions in Rajasthan.

Pre-Litigation Mediation: Mandatory Before Filing Suits

One of the most significant provisions of the Mediation Act is the requirement for pre-institution mediation and settlement (PIMS). Under Section 5 of the Act, parties to a dispute that falls within the ambit of the Act are required to take steps to settle the dispute by pre-litigation mediation before filing any suit or proceeding in court. The Rajasthan judiciary has been implementing PIMS through its district-level mediation centres, and the new Jaipur Centre adds a professionally managed facility at the state capital level. Parties who fail to attempt pre-litigation mediation may face procedural consequences when filing suits. However, the requirement does not apply to disputes involving urgent interim relief, where delay could cause irreparable harm. The PIMS process must be completed within 120 days from the date of the first mediation session, with a possible extension of 60 days if both parties agree. If mediation fails, the parties receive a non-settlement certificate that entitles them to file a suit.

Arbitration Infrastructure in Rajasthan

The arbitration component of the Jaipur Centre addresses a different but equally important need. While major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru have established arbitration centres, many state capitals lack dedicated institutional arbitration facilities. Ad hoc arbitration in India often suffers from scheduling difficulties, lack of professional case management, and inadequate hearing infrastructure. The Jaipur Centre provides an institutional framework that can administer arbitrations under the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996, with professional case management, panel appointment assistance, and hearing facilities. For commercial disputes in Rajasthan, this means parties no longer need to travel to Delhi or Mumbai for institutional arbitration. The Centre also supports the growing trend of online dispute resolution, with facilities for conducting virtual arbitration hearings and online mediation sessions.

Key Takeaways for Litigants and Legal Practitioners

The inauguration of the Jaipur Arbitration and Mediation Centre signals the expansion of professional ADR infrastructure beyond India's major commercial cities. Litigants in Rajasthan now have access to institutional arbitration and mediation services without travelling to metropolitan centres. Legal practitioners should familiarise themselves with the Centre's panel of mediators and arbitrators, its fee structure, and its procedural rules. The mandatory pre-litigation mediation requirement under the Mediation Act 2023 means that an increasing number of disputes will be channelled through centres like this before reaching courts. Businesses operating in Rajasthan should consider including arbitration clauses in their contracts that designate the Jaipur Centre as the seat of arbitration. For the broader ADR ecosystem, this development represents a positive step toward decentralising dispute resolution and making it more accessible across India.