Quick. Qualitative. Quasi-Judicial…

The ‘Alternative’ Route to Dispute Resolution

Long-acknowledged as a wonderfully effective mechanism for settling international commercial disputes, the ‘Permanent Court of Arbitration’ (PCA), is slated to establish its branch facility on Indian soil soon. The Union Cabinet recently gave its nod for setting up of a “Regional Facility (RF) of the PCA for South Asia” in New Delhi.  The RF is envisaged to provide same services as the parent body based at The Hague, Netherlands.

Established under the 1899 Convention for the Pacific Settlement of International Disputes, the PCA took initial shape at the first Hague Peace Conference. The 1899 Convention was revised in 1907 at the second Hague Peace Conference. India had acceded to the Convention on July 29, 1950.

Clearly a positive step in the right direction, it is reasonable to hold that of the proposed RF would become a veritable platform for Dispute Resolution, national and international in a speedy and cost-effective manner.