Delhi High Court reiterates complete fee refund in matters settled by mediation

The Delhi High Court on May 11 reiterated that in matters settled in mediation the entire court fee is to be refunded.

A Single Bench of Justice Amit Bansal has disposed of a suit related to the dispute between private respondent and a company.

Advocate Prabhav Ralli appeared on behalf of plaintiff.

It is stated by the parties that the matter has been settled before the Delhi High Court Mediation and Conciliation Centre (Mediation Centre). The Settlement Agreement dated 29th March, 2022 is on record. The Settlement Agreement bears the signatures of all the parties to the suit.

The Court examined the Settlement Agreement dated 29th March, 2022 and did not find anything unlawful therein. The Court held that parties shall remain bound by the terms of the said settlement.

Accordingly, the suit is decreed in terms of the Settlement Agreement dated 29th March, 2022. The said Settlement Agreement shall form part of the decree, observed the High Court.

“In view of matters being settled in mediation proceedings, in terms of Section 16 of the Court Fees Act, 1870, the Registry is directed to issue a certificate for refund of the entire court fees in favour of the plaintiff”, the order reads.