New Delhi, Aug. 31 -- The Centre's notification establishing the Mediation Council of India gives the country's long-awaited mediation regulator a formal institutional home-but much of the work needed to make mediation a mainstream alternative to litigation remains.

The Mediation Council of India (MCI), notified by the Union law and justice ministry on 27 August, is a statutory body envisaged under the Mediation Act, 2023. It is intended to regulate mediation service providers and mediators, set standards, accredit mediation institutes and promote mediation in India.

The MCI is a statutory body established under the Mediation Act, 2023, comprising a chairperson and other members appointed in accordance with the Act.

Its mandate include...