Case Citation:
Special Leave Petition (Civil) Diary No. 39084/2025
Arising from High Court of Delhi Order dated 09-04-2025 in CM No. 42154/2024
Heard on: 13 August 2025
Coram: Hon’ble Mr. Justice Ahsanuddin Amanullah and Hon’ble Mr. Justice S.V.N. Bhatti

Related Laws/Provisions:

• Mediation (Supreme Court Mediation Centre Rules).

• Inherent Powers of Supreme Court (Article 142 of the Constitution of India for dispute resolution).

• Procedural Applications:
  IA No. 182345/2025: Condonation of delay in filing.
  IA No. 182349/2025: Exemption from filing certified copy of the impugned judgment.

Key Points of the Order:

1. Purpose of Hearing:
   The Court required the presence of Petitioner No. 1 (Ashok Kumar Seth) and Respondent No. 1 (Suraj Prakash Seth), who are full brothers, to explore an amicable settlement.

2. Mediation Initiation:
   Both parties agreed to resolve their dispute through mediation.
   They requested a Senior Mediator from the Supreme Court Mediation Centre’s panel, experienced in family matters.

3. Mediator Appointment:
   Mrs. Varuna Bhandari Gugnani (Senior Mediator) was mutually agreed upon.
   Parties and their lawyers were directed to appear before the Mediation Centre Coordinator at 2:30 PM on 13 August 2025 to begin proceedings.

4. Mediation Process:
   The mediator will decide the time, place, and schedule of sessions in consultation with parties.
   A mediation report must be submitted within 2 months.
   All parties (including three brothers) must participate to ensure a holistic settlement.

5. Court’s Directives:
   Parties must cooperate with an open mind, focusing on future harmony rather than past disputes.
   Physical presence before the Court is exempted on the next hearing date (12 November 2025).

Core Outcome:

The Supreme Court prioritized familial reconciliation over prolonged litigation by referring the dispute to mediation. It emphasized voluntary settlement between brothers under expert guidance, leveraging the institutional framework of the Supreme Court Mediation Centre. No specific penal laws were invoked; the focus was on restorative resolution.