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India Gazette
3 days ago
- Politics
- India Gazette
Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal plants tree under 'Ek Ped Maa ke Naam' initiative in London
London [UK], June 6 (ANI): Union Minister of Law and Justice, Arjun Ram Meghwal, planted a tree under the 'Ek Ped Maa ke Naam' initiative at the Navnat Centre, Hayes in London on World Environment Day on Thursday. The event was organised and hosted by Overseas Friends of BJP UK (OFBJP UK) as part of their continued community engagement and cultural efforts. In a post on X, Meghwal stated, 'Today, a tree was planted at the Navnat Centre in London on the occasion of World Environment Day and under the campaign ' 'Ek Ped Maa ke Naam'.' On Thursday, Meghwal also addressed the 3rd International Conference on Arbitrating Indo-UK Commercial Disputes organised by the Indian Council of Arbitration. Chief Justice of India BR Gavai also attended the conference. 'Today addressed the 3rd International Conference on Arbitrating Indo-UK Commercial Disputes organised by the Indian Council of Arbitration in London in the august presence of the Chief Justice of India, Shri BR Gavai ji,' Meghwal stated in a post on X. 'Held after the historic FTA between India and the UK, this conference witnessed fruitful dialogue towards comprehensive reforms in ease of doing business, promoting commercial arbitration, strengthening mutual cooperation and increasing international cooperation,' he added. Meghwal also interacted with members of Jain Vishwa Bharati London unit in the UK. Sharing details regarding his interaction, he stated, 'Today I had a cordial meeting and interaction with the members of Jain Vishwa Bharati London unit. Extremely commendable work is being done by the expatriate members of Jain Vishva Bharati, dedicated to the global propagation of principles like non-violence, self-discipline, moral values and Anuvrat. Through spiritual guidance, Jain philosophy is giving the message of peace and balance to the world today and this contribution of Jain tradition is going to strengthen the efforts for global welfare.' On World Environment Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the importance of preserving the balance of nature. He shared a video message on his official X account urging people to deepen their efforts to protect the planet and overcome environmental challenges. While sharing the video on X, PM Modi wrote, 'This #WorldEnvironmentDay, let's deepen our efforts towards protecting our planet and overcoming the challenges we face. I also compliment all those working at the grassroots to make our environment greener and better.' (ANI)
India Gazette
3 days ago
- Business
- India Gazette
ICA conference reaffirms arbitration's central role in cross-border dispute resolution across India-UK economic corridor
New Delhi [India], June 5 (ANI): The Indian Council of Arbitration (ICA) organised the 3rd edition of its International Conference on 'Arbitrating Indo-UK Commercial Disputes' during the London International Disputes Week (LIDW) 2025, where Chief Justice of India (CJI) Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai recapitulated the huge potential of growth in the India-UK economic corridor, aided by a robust cross-border commercial dispute resolution mechanism. The symposium laid emphasis on 'Synergising India UK Arbitration Practices' with dedicated panel discussions on 'Hybrid Dispute Resolution Models in Indo-UK Commercial Conflicts' and 'Bridging Dispute Resolution Mechanisms in India-UK to Enhance Trade & Investment,' according to the Ministry of Law and Justice. In a packed hall of legal luminaries and other stakeholders, Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai, Chief Justice of India, inaugurated the Conference by delivering the inaugural address. 'The very foundation of the concept of arbitration and mediation can be found in Indian traditional values, where disputes were referred to the elders of the village. As India continues to solidify its position as a major player in the world economy, the significance of arbitration institutions is becoming increasingly important in enhancing India's standing as a hub for arbitration,' CJI said. Arjun Ram Meghwal, Union Minister of Law & Justice, while delivering the keynote address, highlighted that 'Our Prime Minister Narendra Modi, at the 'National Initiative towards Strengthening Arbitration and Enforcement ' concluded in India, organised on October 23, 2016, has highlighted the importance of ADR. Hence, there was a need to simultaneously facilitate a vibrant ecosystem for alternate dispute resolution, including arbitration, mediation and conciliation. This will provide additional comfort to investors and business. More importantly, it will also ease the case load on Indian Courts'. During the inaugural session, the Rt Hon Lord Michael Briggs of Westbourne, Judge Supreme Court of the UK, stated in his keynote address that 'The statutory arbitration regimes in India and the UK are similar yet also different. In both, the statutory regime is embedded in our shared fabric of common law, which has for centuries recognised the right to a fair hearing in court. The recent signing of the India-UK FTA and the enhanced cooperation in terms of arbitral frameworks, replacing the mechanism of litigation for commercial dispute resolution, holds the potential to enhance the bilateral economic relations in times that come'. Vikram K Doraiswami, High Commissioner of India to the United Kingdom, in his special address highlighted 'The India-UK FTA is India's most ambitious FTA to date. It isn't just about the figures; it opens up government procurements on equal footing with British companies and spans a range of services and sectors to let both our countries benefit. The growth of commerce invites the growth of disputes unavoidably. However, eventually an efficient and effective dispute resolution is what will enhance innovation & private sector ingenuity, aiding the growth of commerce across the jurisdictions. In his welcome address, NG Khaitan, President, ICA & Senior Partner, Khaitan & Co highlighted, 'The Indian arbitral landscape is pro-arbitration which heightens investor confidence making India a preferred destination for international commercial dispute resolution. The New India is most cost effective and with best of arbitrators and mediators to aid commercial dispute resolution. Between 2016 & 2025, India mediated 7,57,000 through mediation in Lok Adalat, highest globally. This shows the reliability and trust the institution has garnered'. Arun Chawla, Director General, ICA and former DG FICCI, in his opening remarks underscored that, 'The base and promise of the India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) is unmistakable: to enhance bilateral trade to USD 120 billion by 2030. This ambition is supported by greater services interoperability and increased professional mobility, especially for legal professionals, which holds particular significance. Legislative reforms in both jurisdictions are working tirelessly to advance this vision.' Karishma Vora, Barrister 39 Essex Chambers, London & Member of the ICA International Advisory Committee delivered the vote of thanks, emphasising the commonalities of dispute resolution in the UK & India within the India-UK economic corridor. ICA is one of the oldest arbitral institution in India, established in 1965 with prominent co-founders Government of India & FICCI (India's apex & largest chamber for commerce and industry) among others. We have been a trailblazer in institutional arbitration with highest adjudication rate of arbitration matters in India. Annually, the ICA adjudicates claims exceeding Rs 4000 crores (approximately USD 470 million), highlighting its significant role in dispute resolution. In addition to its role in spearheading institutional arbitration in India, ICA also has role in propagating and popularizing idea of ADR mechanisms, of disseminating information and educational material concerning arbitration processes and law. (ANI)
United News of India
3 days ago
- Business
- United News of India
CJI Gavai champions cross-border legal synergy at ICA London conference
New Delhi / London, June 5 (UNI) Chief Justice of India Justice B R Gavai inaugurated the third International Conference on 'Arbitrating Indo-UK Commercial Disputes: Synergizing India–UK Arbitration Practices' in London on Thursday. The high-level event, hosted by the Indian Council of Arbitration (ICA) during London International Disputes Week, brought together legal luminaries, judges, policymakers, and commercial dispute resolution experts from both nations to strengthen ties in arbitration and mediation. Delivering the inaugural address, CJI Gavai remarked, 'India and the United Kingdom share a rich history, bound by the tradition of arbitration and mediation rooted in our common law heritage.' The conference was also addressed by Union Minister of Law and Justice Arjun Ram Meghwal, Lord Michael Briggs, Judge of the UK Supreme Court, Justice Hima Kohli, Supreme Court of India, Vikram Doraiswami, High Commissioner of India to the UK, and eminent lawyers including Harish Salve KC and Geeta Luthra, Vice President of ICA. CJI Gavai reflected on India's arbitration journey, invoking Mahatma Gandhi's commitment to mediation as foundational. 'Disputes are inevitable. What defines a strong commercial relationship is our commitment to resolve them efficiently,' he stated. He emphasised India's progress through amendments to the Arbitration and Conciliation Act (notably 2019), the establishment of the Arbitration Council of India, and the 2024 Bill proposing emergency arbitration and appellate tribunals. He lauded the UK's 2025 reforms in its Arbitration Act, promoting summary disposal and legal clarity. Justice Gavai drew from key Indian rulings, including BALCO, Vijay Karia, Amazon versus Future Retail and Gayatri Balasamy, to emphasise judicial minimalism and finality in arbitration. He noted, 'When arbitral awards are upheld without unnecessary interference, it enhances predictability, business trust, and investor confidence.' The CJI praised the growth of Indian institutions like DIAC, MCIA, and IIAC, while commending LCIA's role as a global benchmark. He stressed the importance of collaboration between Indian and UK arbitration bodies to raise global standards. Justice Gavai applauded the adoption of Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) and hybrid systems such as Arb-Med-Arb. He called the Bar Council of India's recent move to allow foreign lawyers to advise on arbitration in India a 'landmark reform' that balances global openness with domestic integrity. CJI Gavai humorously outlined four transformative reforms he would introduce with a "magical wand". 'If I Had a Wand…,' CJI said, "I would make four reforms for India's Arbitration Regime." Finality of Arbitral Awards – Arbitration must be the final word, not an invitation for years of litigation. Mainstream Institutional Arbitration -- The Arbitration centres should be the norm, not an exception. Elimination of Delays -- Procedural fairness should not become a tool for tactical stalling. Diversity in Arbitrators -- The arbitrator pool must reflect varied perspectives and backgrounds for better outcomes. Chief Justice Gavai concluded by affirming India's unwavering commitment to becoming a preferred global seat for arbitration. He said, 'As India and the UK grow increasingly interconnected in commerce and law, our shared democratic values and legal traditions provide a strong foundation for a unified, efficient, and trustworthy dispute resolution system.' The conference echoed a resounding call for legal harmonisation, technology-driven arbitration, and cross-border cooperation with the shared goal of easing court pendency and bolstering investor confidence through strong alternative dispute resolution mechanisms. The event brought together senior dignitaries and legal experts from both India and the UK, including Chief Justice of India B R Gavai (inaugural address), Lord Briggs of Westbourne, Judge of the UK Supreme Court (keynote address), Vikram Doraiswami, High Commissioner of India to the UK (special address), Justice Hima Kohli, Supreme Court of India, Harish Salve KC, Senior Advocate and International Arbitrator, Sujit Ghosh, Deputy High Commissioner of India to the UK, Arun Chawla, Director General, ICA, Geeta Luthra, Senior Advocate and Vice President, ICA, Dr N G Khaitan, President of ICA and Senior Partner at Khaitan and Co, and Karishma Vora, Barrister at 39 Essex Chambers, London and Member of the ICA International Advisory Committee. UNI SNG SS
United News of India
26-05-2025
- Business
- United News of India
CJI BR Gavai to inaugurate Indian Council of Arbitration's 3rd Conference in London
New Delhi, May 26 (UNI) In a significant step toward strengthening international legal cooperation, the Indian Council of Arbitration (ICA) is set to host its 3rd International Legal Conference on 'Arbitrating Indo-UK Commercial Disputes: Synergising India-UK Arbitration practices' on June 5, at the historic Church House, Westminster, in London. Chief Justice of India, BR Gavai will inaugurate the event. The event will be organised as part of the prestigious London International Disputes Week 2025 (LIDW25). Besides inauguration by CJI BR Gavai, the Conference will feature keynote addresses by the Union Minister for Law and Justice, Arjun Ram Meghwal, and Rt. Hon. Lord Briggs, Justice of the UK Supreme Court. The high-level gathering will bring together a distinguished lineup of legal experts, senior policymakers, institutional heads, and arbitration professionals from both India and the United Kingdom. Discussions will focus on the evolving dynamics of cross-border dispute resolution, best practices in institutional arbitration, and the prospects for deeper legal and regulatory convergence between the two jurisdictions. The conference comes at a strategically important juncture in India-UK legal and economic relations. It follows the recent finalisation of the India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and the Bar Council of India's notification dated May 14, 2025, permitting foreign lawyers and law firms to practice foreign law in India on a reciprocal basis, two landmark developments that are expected to reshape the contours of transnational legal practice. By addressing the emerging challenges and opportunities in Indo-UK arbitration, the ICA aims to foster a robust, harmonised dispute resolution ecosystem that can effectively support growing bilateral trade and investment. The event is expected to serve as a forward-looking platform for enhancing legal certainty, institutional trust, and commercial confidence between the two countries. UNI SNG RN
