Delhi District Courts Increase Honorarium for Advocate Mediators
The Delhi District Courts have announced an increase in the honorarium paid to Advocate Mediators working in the Mediation Centres. The Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena has approved the enhancement of honorarium, which had remained unchanged since 2014. This decision aims to address the issue of stagnating remuneration for Advocate Mediators.
Under the revised honorarium structure, Advocates Mediators will now receive Rs 5,000 in cases where settlement through mediation is achieved. Additionally, they will receive Rs 1,000 per case, up to a maximum of Rs 3,000, in connected cases. In the event of no settlement, the Mediators will be paid Rs 2,500. Previously, no honorarium was applicable for Mediators in case of no settlement.
The decision to increase the honorarium comes after a meeting held by the Mediation and Conciliation Project Committee (MCPC), Supreme Court, on December 15, 2021. The committee observed that the honorarium payable to Mediators had not been revised since 2014. Consequently, the Delhi High Court accepted the recommendation of the MCPC to enhance the honorarium, with the revised rates becoming effective from May 7, 2022.
The announcement of the higher honorarium is a significant development for Advocate Mediators, as it addresses their long-standing concern of stagnant remuneration. By increasing the honorarium, the Delhi District Courts aim to recognize the valuable contribution of Advocate Mediators and provide them with fair compensation for their services.
The decision to enhance the honorarium will help improve the overall functioning of Mediation Centres in Delhi District Courts. Advocate Mediators play a crucial role in facilitating settlements and resolving disputes through mediation. With the increased honorarium, Mediators will be able to focus on their work with renewed dedication and commitment.
The move to increase the honorarium for Advocate Mediators in Delhi District Courts is expected to have a positive impact on the quality of mediation services provided to litigants. It will attract more experienced and skilled professionals to serve as Advocate Mediators, ensuring better outcomes and increased efficiency in the resolution of cases.
The decision demonstrates the commitment of the Delhi District Courts to continuously improving the mediation process and recognizing the importance of Advocate Mediators. By increasing their honorarium, the courts have taken a significant step towards ensuring the well-being and professional growth of Advocate Mediators, ultimately benefiting the litigants and the justice system as a whole.
Overall, the Delhi District Courts’ decision to increase the honorarium for Advocate Mediators highlights the importance of their role in facilitating settlements and resolving disputes. This move not only addresses the issue of stagnant remuneration but also recognizes and rewards the valuable contribution of Advocate Mediators. With the enhanced honorarium, the courts aim to further improve the effectiveness and efficiency of Mediation Centres, ultimately benefiting the litigants and the judicial system.
