In summaryThis article explores the significance of mediation proceedings between parties in India, in alignment with the need for urgent interim relief. This framework was strengthened in 2018, through the introduction of section 12A, which mandates pre-institution mediation before filing a commercial suit, unless urgent interim relief is sought. The difficulty lies in determining what “urgent interim relief” means under this provision. The Court observed that the question whether a suit involves urgent relief “is to be decided solely by the plaintiff while instituting a suit”. Further holding that the words “‘contemplate any urgent interim relief’ ‘should be read as conferring power on the court to be satisfied’”, and the plaint, documents and facts must “show and indicate the need for an urgent interim relief”.