Section 14. Commencement of mediation

CHAPTER V MEDIATION PROCEEDINGS 13.Territorial jurisdiction to undertake mediation.— Every mediation under this Act shall be undertaken within the territorial jurisdiction of the court or tribunal of competent jurisdiction to decide the subject matter of dispute: Provided that on the mutual consent of the parties, mediation may be conducted at any place outside the territorial jurisdiction of the court or tribunal, or by way of online mediation. Explanation. — For the removal of doubts, it is clarified that where the parties agree to conduct the mediation at any place outside the territorial jurisdiction or online, for the purpose of enforcement, challenge and registration of the mediated settlement agreement, the same shall be deemed to have been undertaken within the territorial jurisdiction of the court or tribunal of competent jurisdiction. 14. Commencement of mediation.— The mediation proceedings with respect to a particular dispute shall be deemed to have commenced— (a) where there is an existing agreement between the parties to settle the dispute through mediation, the date on which a party or parties receives notice from the party initiating the mediation, to refer such dispute to mediation; or (b) in other cases— (i) where the parties have agreed to appoint a mediator of their choice for mediation and settlement of disputes between them on the date the mediator provides his consent to appointment; or (ii) where one of the parties applies to a mediation service provider for settlement of disputes through mediation, the date of appointment of a mediator.