# Once mediation settlement signed, party can’t withdraw: Jharkhand HC 2026-08-08T06:53:55+00:00 | Governance | Indian Opinion Desk Corroboration: 1 independent outlet The Jharkhand High Court has ruled that a settlement reached through court-annexed mediation, signed by the parties, cannot be unilaterally withdrawn just because one party later changes their mind. The right to withdraw exists only during the mediation process, not after a binding settlement is executed. A Division Bench said such a settlement is enforceable as a judgment or decree, citing the Mediation Act, 2023. The ruling came in a divorce appeal where the wife tried to back out after signing a joint compromise. The court directed both parties to comply with the settlement terms, applying the doctrine of estoppel: a party cannot take benefits under a settlement and then deny it. ## Coverage - livelaw.in Tags: divorce, family law, Jharkhand High Court, mediation, Mediation Act 2023, settlement Canonical: https://indianopinion.org/once-mediation-settlement-signed-party-cant-withdraw-jharkhand-hc/ License: Summary and commentary (c) Indian Opinion, reusable with attribution. Facts belong to the linked sources. Cite: https://indianopinion.org/once-mediation-settlement-signed-party-cant-withdraw-jharkhand-hc/#story-in-brief Review state: restored archive article, accurate at time of publication, not offered to search indexes.