International Commercial Arbitration In India And ODR

Arbitration is considered as an essential part of dispute resolution among commercial parties these days. Even in non commercial cases, arbitration and other alternative dispute resolution (ADR) mechanisms are used these days.

However, gradually even ADR mechanisms have become time consuming and expensive. Therefore, commercial world is looking towards information and communication technology (ICT) for a better option than ADR.

Online dispute resolution (ODR) has emerged as an alternative to ADR that is primarily technology driven. It has many advantages over traditional litigation methods and even over ADR methods. However, online dispute resolution (ODR) in India is still evolving.

Perry4Law and PTLB suggest that India must speed up the process of adoption of ODR for resolving e-commerce and international commercial disputes. E-commerce disputes resolutions in India may be resolved using ODR in the near future.

Similarly, international commercial arbitration in India would also use ODR in future. In fact, the emerging trends in international commercial arbitration in India are already pointing towards this direction.

Electronic delivery of justice in India has failed. There is no second opinion that e-delivery of justice in India is needed. Further, e-courts and ODR in India are also required to be strengthened.

If India wants to be a hub for international commercial dispute resolution and online commercial arbitration, then it must start investing in ODR and e-courts as soon as possible.

Corporate Disputes And Online Dispute Resolution In India

International commercial arbitration in India is witnessing a sea change and corporations and companies are also noticing the same. Corporate disputes and online dispute resolution (ODR) in India would become inseparable in near future. Even e-commerce disputes resolution in India would be resolved using information and communication technology (ICT). International online dispute resolution would also usher growth of e-courts and ODR in India.

Disputes among corporate stakeholders are very common. For obvious reasons corporates prefer to use alternative dispute resolution (ADR) mechanism instead of traditional litigation route. Traditional litigation is time consuming and expansive whereas ADR mechanisms are effective, economical and speedier in nature.

The corporate agreements of these corporate houses essentially contain an arbitration clause and adoption of arbitration proceeding to resolve various future differences and disputes. The commercial division of high courts Bill 2009 also recognises that commercial disputes involving large stakes must be resolved urgently and in an expeditious manner.

It is high time for big corporate houses to shift to next dispute resolution revolution known as online dispute resolution (ODR) in India. Companies and individuals must give more stress to ADR and ODR services in India as they are more productive than traditional litigation system of India. In fact, having e-courts and ODR in India can solve almost all the legal problems of companies and individuals in India and world wide.

We need to adopt cyber arbitration in India, online arbitration in India and technology arbitration in India. Further, cyber arbitration and mediation centre in India also need to be established. Online commercial arbitration in India also needs to be developed.

Similarly, legal issues of media and entertainment industry of India have assumed tremendous importance. Entertainment and media industry dispute resolution in India can be resolved using online dispute resolution. Dispute prevention and resolution in the film and media industry in India is presently not exploring use of ODR and e-courts.

Similarly, ODR and cross border e-commerce transactions and dispute resolution of cross border technology transactions are also interrelated. Dispute resolution in technology transactions is the upcoming trend in the field of ODR.

Dispute resolution of cross border technology transactions is a complicated process if we adopt traditional litigation methods to resolve them. Dispute resolution in technology transactions and dealings requires an effective, timely and cost effective mechanism. Traditional litigation is definitely not the place to achieve these objectives.

Perry4Law and Perry4Law Techno Legal Base (PTLB) suggest that companies and individuals must incorporate suitable “ODR clauses” so that ODR in India can grow. In fact, we are already doing so and are also providing the exclusive techno legal ODR services in India and world wide. We hope very soon ODR and e-courts would be actively used in India for the larger interest of all stakeholders.

E-Courts And ODR In India Needed

Electronic courts (e-courts) and online dispute resolution (ODR) are two most important uses of technology for dispute resolution and adjudicating of cases. However, India has been slow on both these fronts. For instance, till the end of February 2012, we are still waiting for the establishment of first e-court in India. This is so because India lacks techno legal expertise for establishment of e-courts.

Perry4Law Techno Legal Base (PTLB) is the exclusive techno legal segment of ICT law firm Perry4Law and it is managing the exclusive techno legal e-courts training and consultancy centre of India. It is clear that establishment of e-courts in India must be expedited.

Similarly, on the front of online dispute resolution (ODR) in India as well, we have performed not well. Although traditional alternative dispute resolution (ADR) services in India have witnessed some growth in India yet ODR is still waiting for a beginning in India. ADR and ODR in India need to be streamlined to give impetus to alternative dispute resolution mechanisms in India. Further, PTLB is the exclusive techno legal ODR services provider in India.
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Online dispute resolution (ODR) and international response is still lukewarm but at least a beginning has been made there. While international online dispute resolution regime has started exploring use of ICT for disputes resolution, online dispute resolution in Asia is still growing. Online dispute resolution in Asian countries is largely confined to a single or two countries that also to a limited extent. Clearly online dispute resolution standards of practice for India and Asia need to be developed urgently.

Online commercial arbitration in India also needs to be developed. Similarly, legal issues of media and entertainment industry of India have assumed tremendous importance. Entertainment and media industry dispute resolution in India can be resolved using online dispute resolution. Dispute prevention and resolution in the film and media industry in India is presently not exploring use of online dispute resolution.

Similarly, ODR and cross border e-commerce transactions and dispute resolution of cross border technology transactions are also interrelated. Dispute resolution in technology transactions is the upcoming trend in the field of ODR. Dispute resolution of cross border technology transactions is a complicated process if we adopt traditional litigation methods to resolve them. Dispute resolution in technology transactions and dealings requires an effective, timely and cost effective mechanism. Traditional litigation is definitely not the place to achieve these objectives.

There is an urgent need to adequately use information technology for streamlining the judicial system of India. Presently, the efforts in this regard are not satisfactory at all. Let us hope that by the end of this year; at least the Indian government would start thinking in this direction.