Introduction:

At the Delhi Arbitration Weekend (DAW) 2025, Justice PK Mishra of the Supreme Court declared that India is on its way to becoming a global leader in Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR). He stressed that India is not far behind London and Singapore and soon will have the finest ADR system worldwide.

Background:

The Indian Council of Arbitration (ICA) hosted the Delhi Arbitration Weekend 2025, a significant event that brought together judges, legal professionals, academics, and practitioners to discuss the growth of arbitration and mediation in India. Justice PK Mishra connected ADR with India’s cultural heritage, noting that traditions of negotiation and persuasion have been integral to Indian society since ancient times.

Key Developments:

• Justice Mishra highlighted that ICA has bolstered India’s ambition to become a global arbitral hub.

• He explained that ADR complements, rather than opposes, the judicial system and emphasized its importance for India’s economic growth.

• He stated that strong ADR mechanisms will help build international trust in India, essential for achieving the goal of becoming the world’s third or fourth-largest economy.

Issues:

• Need for stricter timelines in arbitration-related petitions under Sections 34 and 37 of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996.

• Concerns over delays in award enforcement.

• The gap between minimal court intervention and the necessity of judicial review in certain awards.

• Lack of formal training and specialization for arbitrators and mediators.

Current Status:

Justice Jasmeet Singh of the Delhi High Court underlined the urgency of reforms by advocating for fixed schedules in arbitration-related petitions, stronger laws, and specialized arbitration courts. Senior advocates, partners from leading law firms, and academics also contributed, reinforcing the view that arbitration and mediation are key to India’s legal and economic future.

Conclusion:

The Delhi Arbitration Weekend 2025 showcased a strong vision for India’s ADR future. With judicial support, institutional reforms, and global aspirations, India is positioning itself as a hub for arbitration and mediation. If the proposed reforms materialize, India could soon rival leading arbitration centers like London and Singapore.