THE ARBITRATION WORKSHOP

The apex Court in its recent ruling in the case of Hindustan Construction Company Ltd v. Bihar Rajya Pul Nirman Nigam Limited, noted, and importantly so, that “arbitration is often a friend in conferences, but a foe in practice”; this question is the very core of the condition of arbitration of disputes in the country.

The recent Delhi High Court judgment in Belvedere Resources DMCC v. OCL Iron & Steel Ltd 2025 SCC OnLine Del 4652 held Whatsapp messages and email constituted a valid arbitration agreement under Section 7(4)(b) of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996

The article critically examines the Delhi High Court’s recent full bench ruling in Pragati Constructions Consultants v. Union of India (2025), which addressed the consequences of procedural defects in Section 34 petitions under the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996.

The article critically examines recent developments that challenge India’s self-proclaimed pro-arbitration stance, despite legislative and judicial reforms aimed at aligning with international best practices.

This article examines the implications of DMRC v. DAMEPL, contrasts India’s approach with global best practices, and highlights the negative impact on the business climate of arbitration in India.

Rethinking Dispute Resolution for Blockchain & Crypto Conflicts