Section 2. Application

CHAPTER II APPLICATION 2. Application.— This Act shall apply where mediation is conducted in India, and-- (i) all or both parties habitually reside in or are incorporated in or have their place of business in India; or (ii) the mediation agreement provides that any dispute shall be resolved in accordance with the provisions of this Act; or (iii) there is an international mediation; or (iv) wherein one of the parties to the dispute is the Central Government or a State Government or agencies, public bodies, corporations and local bodies, including entities controlled or owned by such Government and where the matter pertains to a commercial dispute; or (v) to any other kind of dispute if deemed appropriate and notified by the Central Government or a State Government from time to time, for resolution through mediation under this Act, wherein such Governments, or agencies, public bodies, corporations and local bodies including entities controlled or owned by them, is a party. 2. Disputes relating to claims against minors, deities; persons with intellectual disabilities under paragraph 2 of the Schedule and person with disability having high support needs as defined in clause (t) of section 2 of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 (49 of 2016); persons with mental illness as defined in clause (s) of sub-section (1) of section 2 of the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017 (10 of 2017); persons of unsound mind, in relation to whom proceedings are to be conducted under Order XXXII of the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 (5 of 1908); and suits for declaration of title against Government; declaration having effect of right in rem . 3. Disputes involving prosecution for criminal offences. 2. Mediation results in amicable resolution of disputes in civil, commercial, family and matrimonial matters and fosters collaborative approach, reduces the burden on the courts, and preserves relationships amongst disputants. Therefore, bringing a comprehensive mediation law and providing for online mediation may serve the interests of all the stakeholders as effective alternative mechanism for resolving disputes.