Singapore Convention on Mediation
The UN Convention on International Settlement Agreements Resulting from Mediation — enabling the cross-border enforcement of mediated settlement agreements, much as the New York Convention does for arbitral awards.
A curated library of the legislation, international treaties, and educational material that shape modern dispute resolution — your gateway to the framework of mediation and ADR.
Three principles sit at the heart of everything we do — balance, agreement, and peace.
Every process is guided by a neutral who weighs each party's interests with fairness and care — never favouring one side.
Outcomes are reached by consent, not imposition — producing settlements that both parties own and willingly uphold.
Beyond resolving the dispute at hand, mediation restores trust and preserves the relationships that matter most.
Download the foundational statutes and rules that govern mediation practice — in India and internationally.
India's landmark statute institutionalising mediation — establishing the framework for pre-litigation mediation, mediated settlement agreements, and the Mediation Council of India.
DownloadThe United Nations Commission on International Trade Law's modern rules governing the conduct of international commercial mediation proceedings.
DownloadThe Uttar Pradesh Civil Procedure (Mediation) Rules — governing court-referred mediation procedure within the state's civil justice system.
DownloadThe treaties, model laws, and institutions that underpin cross-border dispute resolution and give mediated and arbitral outcomes their global force.
The UN Convention on International Settlement Agreements Resulting from Mediation — enabling the cross-border enforcement of mediated settlement agreements, much as the New York Convention does for arbitral awards.
The Convention on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Arbitral Awards — the cornerstone treaty enabling arbitral awards to be recognised and enforced across more than 170 states.
The model legislative framework on international commercial arbitration, adopted worldwide to harmonise arbitral procedure and judicial support.
The model law on international commercial mediation and international settlement agreements, giving states a ready template for domestic mediation legislation.
India's principal arbitration statute, incorporating the UNCITRAL Model Law and amended over time to strengthen institutional arbitration and conciliation.
Established under the Mediation Act 2023 to register mediators, recognise mediation service providers, and set professional standards nationwide.
A clear, concise glossary of the core ideas that define Alternative Dispute Resolution.
A voluntary, confidential process in which a neutral third party assists disputing parties in reaching their own mutually acceptable settlement — without imposing a decision.
A private adjudicative process in which one or more arbitrators hear the dispute and render a binding award, enforceable much like a court judgment.
A process closely allied to mediation, in which the neutral may take a more active, evaluative role in proposing terms of settlement.
The written, signed agreement recording the terms resolved through mediation — final and binding under the Mediation Act, 2023.
An attempt at resolution undertaken before commencing court proceedings — increasingly mandated for certain commercial disputes in India.
The conduct of mediation or arbitration through secure digital platforms — expanding access to justice across geography and cost barriers.
Curated talks and explainers on mediation, negotiation, and the craft of peaceful resolution.
Fifty of the most common questions about Track Second, ADR, and the mediation process — organised by theme for easy browsing.
Track Second is a Section 8 company and a professional Mediation and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) platform established in 2017. Dedicated to promoting amicable dispute resolution, it provides expert mediation services that enable parties to resolve conflicts outside of court in a timely, cost-effective, and confidential manner.
Inspired by the principles of Track II Diplomacy, Track Second promotes dialogue-driven dispute resolution that prioritises understanding over confrontation. The platform is founded on the belief that many conflicts can be resolved more effectively through communication, empathy, and cooperation than through prolonged litigation — creating a safe, neutral space where parties identify common ground and achieve sustainable resolutions.
Haridutt Mishra is the founder of Track Second — an Advocate, certified Mediator and Arbitrator whose career has been defined not merely by courtroom advocacy, but by a deep, principled commitment to peaceful, efficient dispute resolution. As Founder of Track Second and Partner at AARYAVARTT, he brings together legal precision and human insight to create outcomes that endure.
Track Second offers services across Commercial Disputes, Family & Relationship, Banking & Financial, E-commerce, Intellectual Property, and Pre-Litigation Risk Assessment. There is also a dedicated Trademark Dispute Resolution Portal (TDRP).
TDRP is a specialised online portal created exclusively for trademark and brand-related disputes. Businesses can submit their trademark conflicts and receive resolution from expert mediators — without going to court.
Visit the 'Submit Dispute' section on the website, fill in the dispute form, and submit. The team will review your case and assign a suitable neutral (mediator or arbitrator). The entire process is quick and secure.
Visit the 'Become a Member' page. Membership is designed for ADR professionals, advocates, and neutrals — offering access to networking, webinars, workshops, templates, and a global ADR community.
Under its CSR programme, Track Second provides free mediation services to marginalised communities, offers women-centric mediation support, conducts youth training, runs legal awareness camps, and provides access to Online Dispute Resolution (ODR).
Track Second's panel includes retired judges, FCIArb-certified arbitrators, and Supreme Court advocates — all impartial professionals committed to balanced, respectful dialogue that leads to fair outcomes for all parties.
Phone: +91 (0120) 4567 102 | Email: info@tracksecond.com. Track Second is also active on LinkedIn and YouTube, with its office based in the Noida / Delhi NCR region.
ADR stands for Alternative Dispute Resolution — a collective term for methods of resolving disputes outside of court. Its main forms are Mediation, Arbitration, and Negotiation. ADR processes are faster, less expensive, and confidential compared to litigation.
Mediation is a voluntary process in which a neutral third party (the mediator) helps both parties engage in dialogue to reach a mutually agreeable solution. The mediator does not make decisions — they simply facilitate the conversation.
In mediation, the mediator only facilitates dialogue and the parties decide the outcome themselves. In arbitration, the arbitrator acts like a judge and delivers a binding decision. Mediation is more flexible and collaborative; arbitration is more formal and adjudicative.
Negotiation is the most basic form of ADR, in which parties resolve their dispute directly without any third-party involvement. When negotiation breaks down, mediation or arbitration is sought as the next step.
In conciliation, the conciliator takes a more active role by offering suggestions and proposals. In mediation, the mediator remains neutral and only facilitates communication. Both are voluntary, but conciliation involves greater third-party involvement in shaping the outcome.
M-ADR stands for Mediation-Appropriate Dispute Resolution — an approach that treats mediation as the priority in resolving any dispute. Track Second's philosophy reflects this: 'MADR — Mediation-Appropriate Dispute Resolution.'
ODR is the process of resolving disputes through digital platforms using video calls, online forms, and digital communication tools. Track Second offers ODR services, especially for marginalised communities and parties in different locations.
ADR is faster (resolving in weeks, not years), less expensive (a fraction of litigation costs), confidential, less stressful, and helps preserve relationships. Unlike litigation — which produces a winner and a loser — mediation addresses the interests of all parties.
An arbitration award is legally binding and enforceable like a court decree. A mediation settlement is signed by both parties and can be filed in court for enforcement. Under the Mediation Act 2023, mediated settlement agreements carry full legal force.
Track II Diplomacy is a concept in which international or complex conflicts are resolved through unofficial, informal channels — without direct government involvement. Track Second's name and philosophy are inspired by this idea: resolving disputes through informal dialogue and mediation.
One party makes a request (or both parties agree to participate), and a neutral mediator is selected. In the opening session, both parties present their perspectives, followed by joint or separate sessions. Once an agreement is reached, a written settlement document is signed by all parties.
Simple disputes can be resolved in a single day. More complex commercial or family matters may require multiple sessions — typically between one day and two to three weeks. Compared to court litigation, where cases can drag on for years, this is remarkably fast.
Mediation is typically voluntary, requiring the consent of both parties. However, Indian courts now refer parties to mediation in certain cases (court-referred mediation), and following the Mediation Act 2023, pre-litigation mediation is mandatory for commercial disputes.
It is a forward-looking analysis conducted before initiating litigation, evaluating whether a dispute is worth taking to court, what alternative solutions are available, and what the potential risks and costs are — saving both time and money for all parties.
A mediator is an impartial facilitator who listens to both parties, improves communication, understands underlying interests, and helps explore creative solutions. They make no decisions — they guide the dialogue towards a resolution the parties themselves agree upon.
A lawyer is not compulsory in mediation, but parties are free to bring legal counsel if they wish. For complex commercial or legal matters, having a lawyer present is advisable. Track Second's own neutrals are experienced legal professionals.
If mediation does not result in an agreement, the parties remain free to proceed to court or arbitration. Everything discussed during mediation remains confidential and cannot be used in subsequent proceedings — so there is no harm in attempting mediation.
In business conflicts such as contract breaches, partnership disputes, or vendor issues, the mediator brings both companies to the table. Business relationships are preserved, the settlement is legally enforceable, and resolution is achieved in weeks rather than years of costly litigation.
For sensitive matters such as divorce, property division, and child custody, the mediator creates a neutral space for dialogue between family members. Emotional distress is reduced, courtroom drama is avoided, and the best interests of children are kept at the centre.
Online shopping disputes, seller-buyer conflicts, delivery issues, and return or refund matters all fall within e-commerce mediation. Online platforms can integrate with Track Second, and through ODR the entire process can be conducted digitally.
The primary foundations are the Arbitration & Conciliation Act 1996 (amended in 2015, 2019, and 2021), the Mediation Act 2023, and the Legal Services Authorities Act 1987. Courts also refer parties to ADR under Order X of the Code of Civil Procedure.
India's Mediation Act 2023 establishes mediation as a formal legal process. Under it, pre-litigation mediation is mandatory for commercial disputes, mediated settlement agreements are legally enforceable, and the Mediation Council of India has been established as a regulatory body.
In India, a domestic arbitration award is enforceable like a court decree under Section 36 of the Code of Civil Procedure. Foreign arbitral awards are enforced under the New York Convention. The grounds for challenging an award in court are deliberately limited.
Yes. Under the Mediation Act 2023, a settlement reached through a registered mediator — a Mediated Settlement Agreement — is legally binding and enforceable. It can also be recorded by a court, giving it the force of a court decree.
ADR is highly effective for trademark, copyright, and patent disputes. Track Second's TDRP portal is designed specifically for brand conflicts. Since IP disputes tend to be technically complex, expert neutrals deliver faster resolutions without the expense of prolonged litigation.
Loan disputes, insurance claims, and investment conflicts can all be resolved through mediation. The Reserve Bank of India and other regulators have actively encouraged alternate resolution mechanisms. Track Second offers specialised services for the banking and financial sector.
International Commercial Arbitration is globally accepted, with frameworks such as the UNCITRAL Rules and ICC Rules commonly followed. The New York Convention enables arbitration awards to be enforced in over 170 countries. Track Second handles cross-border matters as well.
Everything in mediation takes place on a 'without prejudice' basis, meaning statements made during mediation cannot be used in court proceedings. The Mediation Act 2023 also protects this confidentiality, giving parties the freedom to speak openly and honestly.
Yes. Government contracts routinely include arbitration clauses, and many public sector entities have adopted ADR mechanisms. National Lok Adalats are also a form of ADR, operating under the Legal Services Authorities Act.
Lok Adalats are government-organised forums operating under the Legal Services Authorities Act, handling specific categories of cases. Mediation is a private, flexible process. Both are forms of ADR, but mediation is more flexible, customisable, and expert-driven.
Mediation typically costs 10–30% of what court litigation would cost. Litigation involves advocate fees, filing fees, multiple court appearances, and years of delays. Mediation primarily involves a mediator's fee and is completed within weeks.
The fee structure depends on the type, complexity, and number of sessions required for the dispute. For an accurate quote, please contact info@tracksecond.com or call +91 (0120) 4567 102.
Simple disputes can be resolved in one day, moderately complex matters within one to three weeks, and complex commercial cases in one to two months — compared to court litigation, where the same matters can take three to ten years.
Yes. ODR eliminates travel and venue costs and saves time for all parties. Sessions are conducted via video conferencing, making it significantly more cost-effective than in-person proceedings — especially when parties are in different cities or countries.
In most cases, both parties share the mediator's fee equally. In some instances, one party may agree to bear a larger share — this is negotiable. In any case, the combined cost is far lower than that of court litigation.
Yes. Under its CSR programme, Track Second provides free mediation access to financially disadvantaged and marginalised communities, in the belief that access to dispute resolution should not be limited to those who can afford it.
Not necessarily. The clarity and mutual understanding gained during mediation are valuable in themselves. If mediation fails, parties remain free to proceed to court — and since mediation is far cheaper than litigation, even an 'unsuccessful' mediation is an economically sound choice.
For ADR professionals, membership offers networking, referrals, workshops, and access to an expert community — valuable for both career development and business growth. Training programmes provide ADR skills and certifications that strengthen professional practice.
Yes. Track Second has a dedicated Young ADR Members section designed to give the next generation of law students and young professionals a platform to participate in and learn about ADR — part of its long-term vision to build a robust ADR ecosystem.
The Pre-Litigation Risk Assessment service helps individuals and businesses address disputes before they escalate to court. Training programmes, the Resources section, and the News & Insights blog all help make people ADR-literate — so conflicts do not paralyse them personally or professionally.
In-depth analysis and commentary from our practitioners on the evolving world of mediation and ADR.
"The first step to peace is the courage to begin the conversation."
Understanding the framework is the first step. When you're ready to act, Track Second's expert neutrals are here to guide you toward a fair, confidential, and lasting resolution.
The materials and links provided on this page are shared for general informational and educational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Legislation and treaty texts are reproduced from their official public sources; please refer to the official gazette or issuing body for authoritative versions.
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