The Supreme Court recently ruled on a case where the Calcutta High Court directed parties to mediation without their consent, even in a contempt proceeding. Emphasizing that mediation requires mutual agreement, the Court held that it cannot be imposed. The High Court had earlier determined that the State was obligated to comply with a writ of mandamus issued on February 10, 2020. While initially issuing a compliance notice to the Chief Secretary, the High Court later referred the matter to mediation, a move the Supreme Court found inappropriate.