Neutral dispute resolution
Resolve the dispute. Keep the decision.
A structured process for participants who want to explore resolution without transferring decision-making to a court or tribunal—available in Maharashtra, online and for suitable cross-border matters.
Choose a pathway
Mediation pathways.
Commercial & business mediation
Contracts, unpaid invoices, partnership, shareholder, vendor, supply and continuing-business disputes.
View process detailsProperty & real-estate mediation
Co-owner, family property, possession, development, construction, society and project-related disputes.
View process detailsOnline mediation
Remote sessions for participants in different cities, with document, identity, attendance and technology protocols.
View process detailsCross-border mediation
Process design for participants, counsel or assets in different countries, including time zones and enforcement planning.
View process detailsA five-stage process
- 1. Suitability screening: broad issues, participant capacity, urgency, safety and whether mediation can usefully address the dispute.
- 2. Identity and conflict check: names of participants, related entities and advisers are checked before confidential substance is received.
- 3. Written appointment: neutrality, confidentiality, attendance, authority, fees, cancellation and technology arrangements are documented.
- 4. Preparation and sessions: issue lists, short position summaries, joint meetings and private meetings are used as appropriate.
- 5. Closure: any agreed terms are recorded with appropriate legal and tax advice, or the mediation closes without settlement.
Fees and scheduling
Time-based fees can match the actual work required. A proposal may separate intake and conflict checks, preparation, substantive session time, additional document review and agreed administration.
Before appointment, participants should receive the fee basis, booking block, overrun treatment, cancellation policy, tax treatment and payment allocation. No fee information should imply that settlement is guaranteed.
Typical formats
- • Focused two-hour online session
- • Half-day or full-day mediation
- • Multi-session process for document-heavy disputes
- • Cross-border scheduling across time zones
Current-law note
The legal treatment of a settlement depends on the dispute, parties, applicable law, forum and the provisions currently in force. The Mediation Act, 2023 should be read with its commencement notifications; not every provision was brought into force by the notification dated 9 October 2023. For cross-border settlements, treaty status and the proposed enforcement country require separate analysis. India is presently listed by UNCITRAL as a signatory, but not a party by ratification, to the Singapore Convention on Mediation.
Legal status last reviewed: 24 August 2026.
Preliminary intake
Check whether mediation may be suitable.
Provide only a broad, non-confidential outline. Do not send settlement offers, privileged communications, identity documents or sensitive evidence at this stage.
Frequently asked questions
Is the mediator acting as my advocate?
No. A mediator is neutral and does not represent either participant. If Adv. Sahil S. Kothari has represented or advised a participant in the same or a related matter, that history must be disclosed and may prevent a neutral appointment.
How are mediation fees structured?
Fees may be based on preparation time, session time and agreed administration. Written terms should identify the rate or session block, any minimum booking period, cancellation terms, taxes and how the participants will share payment before the appointment begins.
Can the mediation be conducted online?
Yes, where the participants, documents, confidentiality arrangements and technology are suitable. A short technology and attendance protocol is agreed before the first substantive session.
Does submitting the form start mediation?
No. The form starts only a preliminary suitability and conflict-check process. Mediation begins only after all required participants agree, the mediator accepts the appointment and written process and fee terms are completed.