ARBITRATION AND MEDIATION IN INDIA

Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) has become an important part of India’s legal system, providing alternatives to traditional court proceedings. This paper analyses arbitration and mediation, focusing on their legal frameworks, procedures, advantages and challenges. It examines the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996, and the Mediation Act, 2023, along with relevant judicial decisions and the role of courts in dispute resolution. The paper highlights the key differences between arbitration, which results in a binding decision, and mediation, which encourages mutually acceptable settlements. It also discusses challenges such as cost, delays and limited awareness, emphasising ADR’s importance in ensuring efficient justice.