Gujarat National Law University to hold seminar on global arbitration - TOI news

In a unique endeavour, the Gujarat National Law University ( GNLU) is organizing a two-day seminar on international arbitration law starting from March 28. 

Being organized in collaboration with the International Chambers of Commerce (ICC), Paris; the London Court of International Arbitration (LCIA); Singapore International Arbitration Centre (SIAC), Singapore; and Amarchand & Mangaldas & Suresh A Shroff & Co (AMSS), the seminar has 'Changing Face of Arbitration in India' as the central theme. 

Legal practitioners and academicians will come together in a lecture series and throw light on the different facets of international arbitration law namely international commercial, maritime and investment treaty arbitration. Some of the biggest names in the field of arbitration, including former Chief Justice of India A M Ahmadi, additional solicitor general of India Gourab Banerjee, deputy counsel at ICC Paris Abhinav Bhushan and Tejas Karia of AMSS will be addressing the seminar. 

The first panel discussion will see official representatives from the ICC, LCIA and SIAC discuss the benefits of institutional arbitration over ad-hoc arbitration and best practices in the context of institutional arbitration. In the second panel discussion, scholars, practitioners, experts, users and arbitration enthusiasts will deliberate on how to make India a better seat of arbitration.

Source - timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ahmedabad/Gujarat-National-Law-University-to-hold-seminar-on-global-arbitration/articleshow/32036248.cms

Law Commission to propose changes to Arbitration Act - From The Hindu

The Law Commission will submit a proposal for amendments to the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996, to strengthen the arbitration system to settle disputes.

“The submission before the Law Ministry is likely by the end of April,” said AP Shah, Chairperson, Law Commission of India.

Arbitration is out-of-court dispute resolution. The procedure is simpler than the rigour observed in courts but the “award” by the arbitrator is legally binding. Speaking at a conference organised by The Nani Palkhivala Arbitration Centre here, he said the changes to the Act are aimed at a harmonious relationship between courts and the arbitration system. “Courts must be partners, not supervisors,” he said.

However, the proceedings of certain arbitrations seem questionable. He cited an instance of the Delhi High Court dismantling two arbitrations on the grounds of undue delay and complaint by the parties of excessive fees.

The amendments will help bolster the credibility of arbitration and fortify the process against interference by courts. There are provisions to look at enlarging the scope of cases that can be referred to arbitrators and non-appointment of arbitrators related in any way to parties in contention. A list of cases in which an arbitrator should not judge and proposals to regulate delay are also among the recommendations.

“After two years of proceedings, the parties may extend, but once 30 months get over, the court may intervene,” he said.

Source - http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/states/law-commission-to-propose-changes-to-arbitration-act-soon/article5792501.ece