Conciliation
Topic: Justice Delivery: Subordinate Courts, Tribunals, Legal Aid and Judicial Reforms · NCERT: Beyond NCERT
Meaning
Conciliation is a method of alternative dispute resolution (ADR), which means settling a dispute outside a regular trial. A neutral person called a conciliator helps the parties and may suggest terms of settlement. The conciliator does not impose a decision. If the parties agree and sign a settlement, it is binding on them. In India it is governed by the Arbitration and Conciliation Act 1996.
Example
A supplier and a factory disagree over late payments. A conciliator meets both sides and suggests a plan to pay in instalments. Both sign the settlement, and it now binds them.
Don't confuse with
- Mediation: a mediator helps the parties reach their own deal. A conciliator plays a more active role and may propose the terms.
- Arbitration: an arbitrator decides the dispute and gives a binding award. A conciliator does not decide anything.
Related concepts
- Alternative dispute resolution
- Arbitration
- Mediation
- Mediation Act 2023
- India International Arbitration Centre
- Commercial courts