Addressing E-Commerce Disputes: The Need For An ODR Mechanism

Irfan Rashid, BA LLB (Hons.), School of Law, CHRIST (Deemed to be University), Bangalore

ABSTRACT

The surge in e-commerce disputes underscores the need to adopt and use Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) mechanisms. ODR transcends geographical boundaries, offering a swift and impartial resolution platform. The Ministry of Consumer Affairs data underscores the urgency for a robust ODR mechanism to efficiently manage and resolve the increasing number of e-commerce disputes. The paper analyses the emergence and current landscape of ODR in India. Moreover, the advantages like easiness and convenience may be appealing, we still have to figure out how to overcome the problems like the digital infrastructure gaps and privacy issues. Here lies the mainstay of ensuring the trust and acceptance of ODR, it has to begin by addressing these challenges. This paper delves into the need of such a mechanism, its structure, along with the advantages and the current challenges in its adoption and execution. The paper ultimately proposes a way forward in the realm of ODR in India and beyond.

Keywords: Online Dispute Resolution, E-commerce, Disputes, Digital infrastructure, Privacy, Impartial resolution