Government of India invites comments on draft Arbitration and Conciliation(Amendment) Bill, 2024

The Department of Legal Affairs in the law ministry has invited comments on the draft Arbitration and Conciliation (Amendment) Bill, 2024, saying “the aim and purpose is to provide further boost to institutional arbitration, reduce court intervention in arbitrations and ensuring timely conclusion of arbitration proceedings”.

The draft bill comes months after an expert committee headed by former law secretary and former Lok Sabha secretary general T K Vishwanathan submitted its report on proposed reforms in the arbitration sector to the law ministry.

The draft bill proposes the concept of ’emergency arbitration’.

The proposed amendment says arbitral institutions may, for the purpose of grant of interim measures, provide for appointment of “emergency arbitrator” prior to the constitution of an arbitral tribunal.

The emergency arbitrator appointed will conduct proceedings in the manner as may be specified by the (arbitration) council.

The Government of India is seeking public input on the Draft Arbitration and Conciliation (Amendment) Bill, 2024, as part of ongoing efforts to enhance the dispute resolution framework in the country. This initiative aims to promote ease of doing business and improve contract enforcement through legislative amendments to the Arbitration and Conciliation Act of 1996. The proposed amendments focus on bolstering institutional arbitration, minimizing court involvement in arbitration processes, and ensuring timely resolutions. The Department of Legal Affairs has prepared a tabular statement outlining existing provisions and proposed changes. Stakeholders and the general public are encouraged to submit their comments and feedback via email by November 3, 2024, to foster comprehensive public consultation on the draft bill.

Government of India invites comments on draft Arbitration and Conciliation (Amendment) Bill, 2024

INVITING COMMENTS ON THE DRAFT ARBITRATION AND CONCILIATION (AMENDMENT) BILL, 2024

1.The Government of India has taken several steps to strengthen the dispute resolution environment in the country and to promote Ease of Doing Business and enforcement of contracts inter-alia through legislative interventions from time to time. The Department of Legal Affairs is presently in the process of considering further amendments in the Arbitration and Conciliation Act 1996.

2. The aim and purpose is to provide further boost to institutional arbitration, reduce court intervention in arbitrations and ensuring timely conclusion of arbitration proceedings.

3. In view thereof, the Arbitration and Conciliation (Amendment) Bill, 2024 and a tabular statement depicting existing provision and proposed amendment have been prepared.

4. The Department, now invites comments/feedback from the public as part of the public consultation exercise on the draft amendments. Comments on the draft Bill may be sent by email on [email protected] and [email protected] latest by 03.11.2024.