We are pleased to announce that we have expanded Lexis® Practical guidance portfolio with one more module  - Alternative Dispute Resolution.

Litigants in Indian court proceedings often experience significant delays and associated cost, which create hindrance in the timely delivery of justice. The objective of Arbitration & Conciliation Act, 1996 is to curb this issue of excessive cost and take care of the timely settlement. The primary aim of any mechanism of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) is to resolve a conflict between parties without resorting to a judicial trial. 

Arbitration, conciliation and mediation are the most commonly used Alternative Dispute Resolution mechanisms that are currently available in India and this Alternative Dispute Resolution module provides an in-depth practical guidance for using these mechanisms to resolve disputes. 

Arbitration is the closest to a formal adjudicatory process. Here, parties agree in advance to refer future disputes to a neutral third person or to a panel of individuals (sole arbitrator/arbitral tribunal). 

Conciliation is a procedure where a neutral third party (conciliator) enables and assists the disputing parties to arrive at an amicable settlement. 

Mediation is defined as a voluntary, structured process of Alternative Dispute Resolution where the disputing parties choose an impartial third party who uses specialized negotiation techniques and communication to help the partaking parties to come to a mutual settlement. 

The Alternate Dispute Resolution module covers domestic arbitration to include prerequisites, invocation of arbitration, arbitral meetings, hearings and arbitral awards. This module also throws light on the international and institutional arbitration practices that would guide parties to choose the seat of arbitration and facilitates selection of institutions. It also deals with the practicalities involved in process of conciliation and mediation.