Indian Mediation Federation
The way a society manages its conflicts reflects its wisdom and maturity. Across the world, Mediation has evolved as a refined, structured, and dignified means of resolving disputes, a sign, an etiquette of an evolved and civilized society where dialogue takes precedence to resolve conflicts.
Mediation across the world has evolved as an essential social and economic discipline. a reflection of a civilized society that values dialogue over dispute. In India, the Mediation Act, 2023 has provided a legal framework, but the need of the hour is a coordinated, credible, and inclusive platform that can align stakeholders, guide policy, and make Mediation part of the nation’s behavioural and business culture. For centuries, Mediation in India was largely guided by custom, community practice, and contractual clauses. The enactment of the Mediation Act, 2023, has now changed that narrative. India today stands among the few jurisdictions in the world that have accorded statutory status to Mediation as a legitimate, independent, and enforceable process of resolution.
With a clear legislative framework now in place, the time is ripe for India to take the lead globally to demonstrate how Mediation can coexist with commerce, governance, and community; how it can strengthen business confidence, reduce litigation burdens, and reinforce trust in institutions.
About Us
The creation of the Indian Mediation Federation (IMF) is envisioned as a step in this direction — to channel this momentum into a structured, credible, and inclusive platform that brings together Mediators, Professionals, Businesses, Institutions and all possible direct & indirect Stakeholders. Hence, IMF aspires to be that common and united platform equally relevant for Mediators as it would be for the Parties. Professionals from around eco-systems are welcome on board and create that essential bond to strengthen humanity. On a given day, we might end up being in the middle of a dispute seeking help to resolve and on others, sitting in between the parties in dispute and helping them resolve, and that is the culture IMF seeks to bring around where we get help and we offer help, depending on the given situation.
IMF seeks to transform Mediation from being an alternative to becoming essential. Ideally the first port of call in case of any dispute, an essential mindset, an essential skill, and an essential part of India’s conflict management ecosystem to enable the dream of Viksit Bharat 2047.
Vision
India be the hub of practice of Mediation and lead the world in application of Non adversarial tools and techniques under Mediation for Dispute Resolution across the spectrum.
Mission
Connect the Peacemakers, Mediators, Conflict Managers, Professionals who are aligned through a shared vision to spread Mediation as the most preferred ADR tool to deal with disputes & conflicts. To create a cohesive network that promotes collaboration, capacity building, and awareness, enabling Mediation to emerge as a credible, accessible, and mainstream method of conflict management in India and beyond. Finally, be that missing bridge between the Policymakers and Regulators on one side and the Practitioners and Stakeholders /Beneficiaries on the other.
Objectives
IMF rests on the belief that Mediation is not merely a process but a philosophy of coexistence. It represents the maturity of a society where dialogue precedes discord and understanding precedes action.
The Federation seeks to embody this spirit across every sphere — business, family, trade, governance, and community.
- To create a unified national platform representing Mediators, Professionals, and users of Mediation.
- To build awareness amongst individuals, businesses and all other stakeholders encouraging Mediationas a first choice for all kinds of disputes and their resolution.
- To assist in developing standards, SOPs, and self-regulatory frameworks for Mediation
- To act as a knowledge and policy partner and assist Government, Regulators, and Institutions in shaping Mediation
- To assist and engage in research, capacity-building, and outreach programs that nurture an ecosystem of trust and professionalism.
- To encourage adoption of Mediationacross all domains, be commercial, real estate, family inheritance, partnership, startup, MSME, cross border, geopolitical and community-level issues.
- To ensure that Mediationevolves as a respected and dignified profession, attracting bright minds and ethical practitioners.
Membership
The Federation invites membership from across and aspires to be that umbilical cord connecting all stakeholders from across. The goal is to start from India and replicate the model elsewhere while connecting the humanity across the world. Participation is through one time registration, and all are invited: Including but not limited to every Individual and every Entity.
Membership is open to all including but not limited to:
- Trained Mediators
- MediationInstitutes
- Professionals (Individuals)– including but not limited to Lawyers, CAs, CS, CMA’s, HR Professionals, Doctors, Engineers, Bureaucrats, Bankers, Project Management Consultants, etc.
- Professional Firms– including but not limited to Consulting Firms, Accounting Firms, PMC Firms, Legal & Financial Firms, etc.
- Associations and Trade Bodies– including but not limited to Chambers, NGOS’s & Think Tanks, etc.
- MSMEs and Startups– irrespective of size, area of operation, age.
- Students– including but not limited to students of Law, Management, Psychology, Finance, Humanities, Science, etc.
- International Members– including but not limited to Professionals, Firms and Corporates
Annual membership fees will be finalized in consultation with the Board in due course.
FAQs
1. What is Indian Mediation Federation (IMF)?
2. How does IMF differ from other Mediation bodies?
The Indian Mediation Federation (IMF) is conceived purely as a platform for Advocacy and Awareness. It does not engage in or undertake any form of commercial activity, either Training, or Mediation services.
Its primary objective is to promote understanding, acceptance, and adoption of Mediation across sectors by spreading awareness among stakeholders. IMF’s role will be to bring together Mediators, Professionals, Institutions, and Businesses to collectively advance the culture of Mediation in India. The Federation will work towards:
- Assisting in developing model SOPs, frameworks, and self-regulatory mechanisms to ensure uniformity and quality in Mediation practices.
- Assisting and encouraging adherence to ethical standards and best practices among Mediators and Institutions.
- Assisting and engaging with Government, Regulators, and Policymakers to represent the collective voice of the Mediation community.
- Assisting in building Awareness and Advocacy Initiatives across business, trade, and civil society to make Mediation the preferred approach to resolving conflicts.
In essence, IMF will act as the Advocacy, Awareness and Coordination hub for the Mediation ecosystem in India promoting Dignity, Professionalism, and Credibility in the practice of Mediation, as IMF would coordinate, cooperate, explore tie ups and collaborate with professionals and institutions in the relevant eco system both in India and Abroad
3. What is the larger purpose behind forming IMF?
The objective is to create one cohesive, National Platform that:
- Gives Mediators and Conflict Managers a collective voice.
- Encourages Businesses, Industries, and Associations to embrace Mediation as a Standard tool for dispute resolution across types of disputes.
- Works with Government, Regulators, and Academia on Research, Training, and Policy Advocacy and brings together the current players in this space to make it cohesive effort and a movement for the larger benefit of our country and then for the world.
- Builds Mediation into the daily rhythm of Professional and Business life — from family inheritance issues to Complex Commercial disputes.
4. Who can become a member of IMF?
Membership is open to Individuals and Organizations across sectors who believe and support in non-adversarial ways and means to solve, resolve and dissolve disputes and share IMF’s vision of promoting Mediation across the Globe.
5. What are the benefits of becoming a member?
- A pan-India network of Mediators, Professionals, and Institutions active in the space of Dispute Resolution
- Opportunities for Collaboration, Advocacy, and Awareness Initiatives
- Participation in Policy Discussions and opportunities to represent IMF before various regulatory, government and industry bodies
- Invitations to Training, Workshops, and Knowledge sessions by Associate Members
- Eligibility to join State Chapters, focused Verticals / Committees, and Working groups
- Recognition as part of a Nationally recognized Mediation movement beginning from India and to be taken across the globe.
6. How do I apply for membership?
- Basic details (name, contact, address, state, category)
- Organizational identification (CIN/LLP ID for institutions, if applicable)
- PAN, Aadhaar, and photograph of the member or authorized representative
- Training certificate(s) (for trained mediators only)
- A short profile about the member (up to 100 words)
- Payment details as per the membership category
7. What is the Registration fee?
| Category | Registration Fee |
|---|---|
| Students | ₹500 |
| Individuals (Mediators/Professionals) | ₹1000 |
| Organizations/Associations/Institutions | ₹2000 |
| International Members | $50 USD |
8. Can a company, association, or institution join as a member?
Yes. Institutional membership is open to Corporates, Professional Firms, Associations, Trade Bodies, Think Tanks, Chambers, and Mediation institutes. Each such member must nominate an Authorized Representative, whose details (Designation, Aadhaar, Photograph, etc.) are recorded in the registration form.
9. What does “Preferred Areas to Support IMF” mean?
- Membership Drive
- Administration & Operations
- Awareness through Programs / Events
- Advocacy & Policy Interface
- Other Specialized Areas (as suggested by the member)
- Leading the initiative through various proposed chapters and verticals.
10. What happens after registration?
Once the registration form and payment are received, the details are reviewed by the IMF Secretariat. Upon approval, the member receives:
- A unique membership number (IMF/Serial)
- A digital membership certificate (in due course)
- Inclusion in the national membership directory (to be published in due course)
- Updates and invitations to programs, chapter meetings, and events.
- Entry to a dedicated IMF WhatsApp Group for dissemination of knowledge and information of activities.
11. How does IMF propose to function across India?
IMF would operate through:
- A Central Management Committee / Core Team
- An Eminent Board of Advisors /Governing Council comprising leaders from diverse fields
- State and Regional Chapters, led by designated heads
- Category Heads
- Vertical Committees (Awareness, Advocacy, Research, Membership, etc.)
- Physical and Virtual Meetings would be scheduled regularly amongst chapters and vertical heads.
12. Why should one join IMF now?
With the Mediation Act, 2023 giving statutory recognition to Mediation in India, this is the most opportune time to shape the future of Mediation as a mainstream dispute resolution mechanism. By joining IMF at the earliest, members become part of a founding collective working to build a strong and self-regulated ecosystem for Mediation through advocacy, creation of SOPs, Ethical Standards, and Best Practices. Be a part of History, from the beginning.
IMF offers a unique opportunity to be at the forefront of a national movement that aims to give dignity, structure, and professional identity to Mediators, Professionals, and Stakeholders who believe in dialogue over disputes.