New Delhi, Apr 18 (LAB) Union Law and Justice Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal on Saturday underscored the Government’s commitment to strengthening institutional arbitration, decriminalising minor offences, and modernising legacy laws in line with constitutional values and the goal of improving ease of doing business.
Addressing the valedictory session of the International Conference on “Arbitration in the Era of Globalisation,” organised by the Indian Council of Arbitration in the national capital, the Minister highlighted the growing need for structured and reliable dispute resolution mechanisms in an increasingly complex global economy.
Emphasising a policy shift, Meghwal said the Government favours institutional arbitration over ad-hoc mechanisms. He noted that steps are being taken to strengthen dispute resolution systems and build trust among stakeholders. Reforms related to arbitration frameworks, including the appointment of arbitrators and commercial law procedures, are currently under active consideration by expert committees.
Highlighting key reform measures, the Minister stated that nearly 1,000 offences have been decriminalised to improve regulatory efficiency. He pointed out that minor penalties often involved disproportionate procedural costs, making it necessary to rationalise such provisions and create a more business-friendly legal environment.
Shri Meghwal also referred to ongoing efforts to amend colonial-era laws and remove outdated and discriminatory provisions. Citing changes to the Indian Succession Act, 1925, he stressed the need to align all laws with the constitutional principles of equality, liberty, fraternity, and justice.
He further highlighted broader systemic reforms in the criminal justice framework, alongside parallel developments in civil and commercial law. The Minister noted that a Public Trust Bill has been passed during the ongoing Budget Session following detailed examination by a Joint Parliamentary Committee.
On the role of technology, Shri Meghwal pointed to the increasing adoption of artificial intelligence and virtual hearings as transformative tools for improving efficiency in dispute resolution.
Drawing from traditional Indian practices, he referenced the concept of “Panch Parmeshwar,” emphasising its principles of neutrality and impartial decision-making, and its relevance in modern arbitration systems.
The Minister also announced that India will host a BRICS conference in Ahmedabad, bringing together justice ministers and officials from ten countries to enhance international legal cooperation.
Reiterating the Government’s reform agenda, Shri Meghwal said that continuous legal and institutional changes are central to India’s ambition of becoming a leading global economy.
The Indian Council of Arbitration (ICA), established in 1965 under the initiatives of the Government of India and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry, has evolved into a key institution for arbitration in the country. It offers fair, efficient, and cost-effective dispute resolution services across sectors, including cross-border commercial disputes, and has a membership base of over 6,500 organisations and professionals. / LAB/ SNG