Section 338 in Andhra Pradesh Civil Rules of Practice and Circular Orders, 1980
338. Fee of mediator and costs:
(1)At the time of referring the disputes to mediation, the Court shall, after consulting the mediator and the parties, fix the fee of the mediator.(2)As far as possible a consolidated sum may fixed rather than for each session or meeting.(3)Where there are two mediators as in clause (b) of Rule 314, the Court shall fix the fee payable to the mediators which shall be shared equally by the two sets of parties.(4)The expense of the mediation including the fee of the mediator, costs of administrative assistance, and other ancillary expenses concerned, shall be borne equally by the various contesting parties or as may be otherwise directed by the Court.(5)Each party shall bear the costs for production of witnesses on its side including experts, or for production of documents. -(6)The mediator may, before the commencement of mediation, direct the parties to deposit equal sums, tentatively, to the extent of 40% of the probable costs of the mediation, as referred to in clauses (1), (3) and (4). The remaining 60% shall be deposited with the mediator, after the conclusion of mediation. For the amount of cost paid to the mediator, he shall issue the necessary receipts and a statement of account shall be filed, by the mediator in the Court.(7)The expense of mediation including fee, if not paid by the parties, the Court shall, on the application of the mediator or parties, direct the concerned parties to pay, and if they do not pay, the Court shall recover the said amounts. as if there was a decree for the said amount.(8)Where a party is entitled to legal aid under Section 12 of the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987, the amount of fee payable to the mediator and costs shall be paid by the concerned Legal Services Authority under that Act.
