Chief Justice Sathasivam, J. Lodha, Fali Nariman, Zia Mody, legal biggies attend launch of OP Malhotra on Arbitration

The launch of Senior Advocate Indu Malhotra’s book, OP Malhotra on the Law & Practice of Arbitration and Conciliation, was attended by some of the biggest names in the legal world. Held at the Teen Murti auditorium in Delhi, the event also included a brief panel discussion on investment treaty arbitration with Senior Advocate Fali Nariman, AZB’s Zia Mody, Chief Justice Sathasivam, Justice Lodha, and former CJI, MN Venkatachaliah sharing the stage..Both CJI Sathasivam and J. Lodha preferred to discuss the legal principles related to investment treaties, with specific reference to the White Industries decision. While the Chief Justice admitted that the Apex Court has faced certain difficulties in quickly disposing arbitration matters, it was J. Lodha’s contention that one needs to balance state interest with private interest in such matters..However, it was Fali Nariman who introduced a touch of humour into the proceedings..Referring to the thickness of the book, Fali Nariman remarked that, “Even the Chief Justice of India is unable to lift the book with one hand” evoking laughter from the audience and a slight smile from the Chief Justice..While narrating a Delhi High Court judgment (that was eventually set aside by the Supreme Court), Justice AK Sikri in the audience raised his hand and stated that he had been on the Delhi High Court Bench. Nariman shot back, “Well now is your chance to reform it!”.Zia Mody, too, sought a mix between serious discussion and humour. Acknowledging the hard work and dedication of her close friend, Indu Malhotra, Mody also said that the book could be seen as a tribute of a loving daughter towards her father’s memory. As Indu Malhotra subsequently revealed, the third edition of the book could not be completed before the demise of her father, Senior Advocate OP Malhotra..The audience included JJ Chauhan and Madan Lokur from the Supreme Court as well as retired supreme Court judge, GS Singhvi, and High Court judge, J. Ravindra Bhatt. Senior Advocates Shyam Divan, Ashok Desai and Indira Jaisingh, and Raian Karanjawala were also spotted at the event.