Let us champion arbitration to build bridges of cooperation among nations: Justice Alok Aradhe on IAMC International Arbitration Day

The International Arbitration & Mediation Centre (IAMC) Hyderabad in collaboration with Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas & Co organized its first flagship event – International Arbitration Day on October 7, 2023 in Hyderabad..The inaugural session was graced by esteemed dignitaries: Justice L Nageswara Rao, Former Judge, Supreme Court of India; Areef Alnuaimi, Consulate General of UAE at Hyderabad; Justice Alok Aradhe, Chief Justice, High Court for the State of Telangana; Justice Hima Kohli, Judge, Supreme Court of India; Justice Shamlan Al Sawalehi, Court of Appeal and Judge in Charge of Arbitration Division DIFC Courts, UAE, and Justice RV Raveendran, Former Judge, Supreme Court of India.Justice Hima Kohli in her keynote address remarked, “There is a need for strengthening the process of arbitration in India by promoting a strong and experienced cadre of arbitrators and establishing a specialized Arbitration Bar, which in turn will promote a cultural shift in the legal community, positioning arbitration as a niche field of expertise.” Justice Kohli further highlighted to cultivate an ecosystem of respect and commitment to the core tenets of arbitration..Justice Alok Aradhe in his address emphasized, “This day serves as a beacon of guide for resolution of complex cross-border disputes.” "Today’s celebration serves as international arbitration to be the cornerstone of global growth and diplomacy and it is pertinent to rely on and utilise the power of dialogue in dispute resolution as it strengthens cooperation amongst nations and leads to peaceful resolutions," he further highlighted..The inaugural ceremony was followed by the signing of MoUs with leading organizations such as AIAC and TS RERA. Letters of support were also extended from organizations like CREDAI Telangana, NAREDCO, Telangana, Telangana Developers Association, The Indus Entrepreneurs, Hyderabad Chapter, Tatva Legal and Fox Mandal & Associates..The Asian International Arbitration Centre, Malaysia (AIAC) and The International Arbitration & Mediation Centre, Hyderabad (IAMC) entered into an MoU to foster collaboration in promoting international arbitration. The MoU was signed by Tariq Khan, Registrar, IAMC and Prof. Datuk Sundra Rajoo, Director, AIAC in the presence of the Life Trustees of IAMC..The International Arbitration and Mediation Centre, Hyderabad (IAMC) and the Telangana State – Real Estate Regulatory Authority of India (TS RERA) entered into an MoU. Dr. Satyanarayana, IAS, Chairman, TS RERA and Tariq Khan, Registrar, IAMC signed the MoU to foster collaboration between both the organisations. The MoU signing and extending letters of support by leading organisations to IAMC was then followed by Panel discussion and Fireside chat sessions..On signing of these MoU, Tariq Khan, Registrar, IAMC said, “I am delighted to announce our partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding with esteemed organizations such as AIAC, Malaysia and TSRERA. These MOUs signify a powerful commitment to advancing the cause of arbitration and mediation, fostering a climate of effective dispute resolution, and enhancing access to justice for all.""I am grateful for the overwhelming support extended by esteemed organizations and law firms to foster the growth of arbitration and mediation.”.The Panellists for the session included Shruti Khanijow, Partner, Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas; Thomas Snider, Partner, Charles, Russell & Spechlys; Justice L Nageswara Rao, Former Judge, Supreme Court of India and Justice Shamlan Al Sawalehi, Court of Appeal and Judge in Charge of Arbitration Division DIFC Courts, UAEParnika Chaturvedi, Partner, Kings Wood & Malleson, Dubai, UAE, moderated the session..Justice L Nageswara Rao highlighted the roadblocks between both the nations with regard to enforcement of foreign arbitral awards. Justice Rao stated,“When an award is passed in an arbitration seated in UAE, there are challenges in enforcing the arbitral award in India since there has been no notification issued u/s 44B of the Arbitration & Conciliation Act of 1996 by the Government of India. However, the only notification issued u/s Section 44 of Civil Procedure Code, 1908, refers to foreign decrees passed by federal courts and superior courts in UAE which can be enforced in India in terms of foreign awards. This makes the whole process of enforceability of foreign arbitral awards passed in UAE more difficult than easier.”.Justice Shamlan Al Sawalehi, adding on to Justice Rao, remarked,“Discussions with the Ministry of Justice, UAE are underway for having a hassle-free process of enforcing foreign arbitral awards in India, which are passed by the UAE.”.The Panellists for the session included Prof. Datuk Sundra Rajoo, Director, AIAC; Justice RV Raveendran, Former Judge, Supreme Court of India; Jennifer Lim, Partner, Sidley LLP; Bikram Chaudhuri, Partner, Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas, Abinav Bhushan, Chief Executive for Asia & International Arbitrator, Member at 39 Essex Chambers, moderated the session..Justice RV Raveendran stated that dispute avoidance is a preventative step while dispute resolution is a curative step. Justice Raveendran further added that Indian mentality has merit, ability and capacity but lacks professionalism and India will be capable of resolving their own disputes by ensuring professionalism..The flagship event of IAMC Hyderabad was concluded by a vote of thanks by Tariq Khan, Registrar, IAMC Hyderabad.