INCREASING ACCESS TO INTERNATIONAL ARBITRATION

ABSTRACT:

International Arbitration continues to be widely chosen as the preferred method of dispute resolution for parties, particularly where matters cross international boundaries. However, with the divergence of cases from open courts to predominantly closed arbitration hearings, questions of transparency have, and will continue to arise. In this article we will discuss what international arbitration really is,  what are the hindrance parties following when they seek international arbitration. Indeed , what this article ultimately seeks to achieve is evaluating the tools and initiative solution for increasing access to international arbitration

Authored by Jyoti Pathak, Gautam Buddha University, Greater Noida.

A DETAILED NOTE ON TRANSPARENCY AND CONFIDENTIALITY IN INTERNATIONAL ARBITRATION

Abstract-

Transparency and Confidentiality are two procedures in arbitration. Transparency provides for openness, clarity, disclosure, access to information while confidentiality refers to non-disclosure, it is one of the most fundamental reason why parties resort to arbitration. At times, transparency and confidentiality are at odds. Here we will talk about transparency and confidentiality in international arbitration, why is it needed and when should be one of these be resorted to.

Authored by Divyanshi Gupta, Faculty Of Law, Lucknow University.

MALPRACTICE ARBITRATION REPLACEMENT INTRODUCED GUAM

Abstract-

Therese Terlaje and TeloTaitague reformed much awaited medical malpractice claims law with the addition of pre-trial screening to the whole process without touching the arbitration part of it. The Medical Malpractice Mandatory Arbitration Act requires arbitration for malpractice claims before the matter can be taken to court. Superior Court of Guam Judge Arthur Barcinas stated in one case that the act “places a burden of keeping malpractice insurance premiums low and maintaining affordable health care on one small and vulnerable sector of society, namely non-wealthy victims of medical malpractice.”

Authored by Aarushi Sharma, NLU, Shimla.

INDIA TO STUDY CAIRN ENERGY ARBITRATION AWARD

Abstract-

UK’s Cairn Energy Plc has won an arbitration against the Indian government levying 10,247 rupees in retrospective taxes. The tribunal asked India to pay the funds withheld along with the interest to the Scottish oil explorer for seizing dividend, tax refund, and sale of shares to partly recover the dues. Cairn had challenged the Indian government seeking taxes over an internal business reorganisation using the 2012 retrospective tax law, under the UK-India Bilateral Investment Treaty. The three-member tribunal, which also comprised of a judge appointed by the Indian government, ruled that India’s claim of ₹10,247 crore in past taxes over a 2006-07 internal reorganisation of Cairn’s India business was not a valid demand, sources said.

Authored by Aarushi Sharma, NLU, Shimla.

IMPACT OF THE COVID- 19 PANDEMIC ON THIRD PARTY FUNDING AND SECURITY FOR COSTS IN INTERNATIONAL COMMERCIAL ARBITRATION

ABSTRACT:

The COVID- 19 pandemic has already created a great loss to the private companies along with the individuals in market company and society. This topic mainly focuses on two ideas- 1) whether the pandemic is an upturn to third party funding arrangements. 2) whether the arbitrating parties should take an initiative to expose themselves to applications of security regarding the costs in international commercial arbitration. COVID- 19 has no doubt created a big problem for the normal people of this country even the basic amenities are quite difficult for the poor people to arrange in such a pandemic situation.

Authored by Swapna Sudha Sahoo, Siksha ‘O’ Anusandhan (Deemed To Be University), SOA National Institute Of Law, Bhubaneswar, Odisha

LEBANON RESORTING TO INTERNATIONAL ARBITRATION

ABSTRACT:

Lebanese President Michel Aoun this year expressed that he would not mind resorting to arbitration if the country fails to reach at a fair agreement with Israel regarding maritime border demarcation. Arbitration is quite common in Lebanon, in fact, Lebanon is one of the friendliest countries in the Middle East for arbitration. In principle, all disputes can be submitted for arbitration in Lebanon. Arbitration proceedings fall within the ambit of Code of Civil Procedure and article 309 of the Code provides that arbitration is international if it involves the interests of international trade and of course, mutual consent of the parties to the agreement. The talks between Israel and Lebanon started in 14th October 2020.

Authored by Arushi Sharma, NLU, Shimla

Arbitration and Conciliation Ordinance, 2020

Abstract-

With the changing scenario of arbitration processes, the President of India has further enacted the Arbitration and Conciliation (Amendment) Ordinance, 2020 (Ordinance) by adding amends to the Arbitration and Conciliation Act of 1996. This ordinance brings forty that all the stakeholders shall be getting an opportunity to seek unconditional stay of enforcement of arbitral awards where the underlying arbitration agreement or making of the arbitral award is believed to be induced by fraud or corruption. The Ordinance will be beneficial in cases where inherent illegality by fraud or corruption has been ‘prima-facie’ shown in court. However, it will be interesting to see how courts interpret the burden of proving a ‘prima-facie’ case of corruption or fraud.

Authored by Urfi Ansari, Rizvi Law College

Diversity in International Arbitration

Abstract-

In the world of International Arbitration, one could only see the space is being dominated by stereotypical white men and the substantial absence of diversity. In 2015, the “Arbitration Pledge” was drawn up in acknowledgment of the lack of women in arbitral tribunals by representatives of the international arbitration community. But it’s worth remembering that the absence of diversity goes beyond gender, cultural and geographical diversity are missing too. In this new age, where women all over the globe are fighting for equality and equity, a diverse board in arbitration will improve the diverse viewpoints will contribute to better choices and the consistency of decision making.

Authored by Roudro Mukhopadhyay, OP Jindal University.

COVID-19 Pandemic and its Impact on International Arbitration

Abstract-

COVID 19 had a bad impact on all the works of private individuals as well as government. It has changed the working pattern and style of all the business. The impact of the virus is so dangerous that the government has cancelled all the schemes and started funding to cure people from the virus. The courts have also started working digitally. Despite of this advanced technology, they are facing some of the issues like digital glitch, lawyers and judges are facing problems during the case hearing. Due to these many amendments have been made in the Arbitration Rules and Guidelines. COVID-19, a virus called Coronavirus has vitiated the whole world. It was first detected in China’s city Wuhan in December & then very rapidly it spread its root throughout the Globe. COVID-19 outbreak which greatly affected the entire world has been declared a pandemic by World Health Organization (WHO).

Authored by Kavya Gopal, Prestige Institute of Management

Guerrilla tactics in Arbitration

Abstract:

With globalization and advances in commerce and technology, the need for legal systems to
adapt to mechanisms for enhancing alternative dispute resolution (ADR) methods continues to grow. The rising popularity of ADR can be explained by the increasing number of cases being
handled by the traditional courts and the attendant delays, the perception that ADR imposes
lower costs than litigation, a preference for confidentiality and the desire of some parties to have
greater control over the selection of the individuals who will settle their dispute on the basis of
competence, experience and absence of bias. 2 In dealing with guerrilla tactics in International Arbitration, it is paramount to first and foremost
understand the consequence of the phrase “international arbitration” in relation to the subject of discourse, especially as terms in common use often elude definition.3. t is sometimes said that every arbitration is a national arbitration in the sense that it must be held at a given place and is accordingly, subject to the national law of that place. Whilst this may be an interesting topic for debate, in practice, it is customary to distinguish between arbitrations which are purely
“domestic” and those which are “international”.

Authored By Parth Bathla, FIMT, GGSIPU, Delhi.