Difference between Mediation and Conciliation

Basis

Mediation

Conciliation

Meaning

Mediation is a process where the disputing parties appoint a third neutral party, called a Mediator to help them negotiate and settle the disputes amicably. It is a process where the disputing parties appoint a third neutral party, called the Conciliator to help them negotiate and provide a settlement solution.

Objective
 

The objective behind Mediation is to enable the parties to talk about their differences and come to a middle ground. The objective behind Conciliation is to attempt to settle the disputes amicably through the suggestion of a neutral third party; i.e., Conciliator.

Role of Third Party

The Mediator brings the disputed parties together and it is on the parties to talk and negotiate by themselves. The Conciliator has to bring the parties together and make an active effort to settle the disputes between the parties.

Nature of Procedure

Mediation is a less formal mode of dispute resolution. Conciliation is more formal than Mediation, but less formal in comparison with Arbitration.

Governing Legislation

Mediation is governed under the Mediation Act, 2023, which is a legislation that was passed recently. Conciliation is governed under the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996.

Difference between Mediation and Conciliation

Mediation and Conciliation are the two most important mechanisms of Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR). Although these two are distinct concepts, they are mostly seen in a similar light. Moreover, they were accepted by the legislation much later than the arbitration. Therefore, Mediation and Conciliation remain to be seen as clubbed together, on the other side.

Similar Reads

What is Mediation?

Mediation is a mechanism of the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) process in which the disputing parties select one or more neutral persons, who have no personal interest in the case and who can bring the parties together to discuss the case and deliberate on the dispute and reach an agreement. In the case of Mediation, the neutral person acts as a Mediator, and they act as a medium of facilitating the mediation process between the parties....

What is Conciliation?

Conciliation is a private mode for the settlement of disputes, where the parties appoint a neutral third party called the Conciliator. The conciliator actively participates in the process and assists the parties in reaching a middle ground. It is a way to resolve disputes by deriving a compromise between the parties. Here, the parties have the freedom to appoint more than one conciliator....

Difference between Mediation and Conciliation

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Conclusion

Both Mediation and Conciliation form a part of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms and are adopted by parties as a convenient, flexible, voluntary, and private form of dispute resolution. It is also considered that both these procedures are slightly informal as compared to the process of Arbitration, which is more formal in nature. However, between Mediation and Conciliation, the main aspect of difference is that in Mediation, the mediator is required to act as a facilitator and not provide individual inputs; whereas, in Conciliation, the conciliator provides his input and makes all attempts and persuade both the disputed parties to come to a settlement. Thus, Mediation is different from Conciliation in respect of the powers and functions of the Mediator and the Conciliator....

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can Mediation and Conciliation both be used as a mechanism for resolving disputes?...