An Analysis Of Scope And Future Prospects Of Fast Track Arbitration: An Overview
- IJLLR Journal
- May 20
- 2 min read
Shakti Singh, B.A.LL.B. (Hons.), ALS-AUMP (Gwalior)
ABSTRACT
Fast track arbitration has emerged as a significant procedural innovation within the broader framework of alternative dispute resolution, offering a streamlined and time-efficient mechanism for resolving commercial disputes. This paper undertakes a comprehensive analysis of the scope and future prospects of fast track arbitration, situating it within the context of the growing demand for expeditious dispute resolution across national and international jurisdictions. The study begins by establishing a conceptual framework that distinguishes fast track arbitration from conventional arbitration, identifying its core features such as abbreviated procedural timelines, limited document production, and truncated evidentiary processes. The historical evolution of expedited arbitration is traced from its institutional origins to its present day incorporation in the rules of major arbitral institutions worldwide. The paper critically examines the legal frameworks governing fast track arbitration, including the UNCITRAL Rules on Expedited Arbitration, the ICC Expedited Procedure Rules, the SIAC Expedited Procedure, and national legislative developments, with particular attention to the Indian Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996, as amended in 2015 and 2019. The scope of fast track arbitration is analysed across several dimensions: the types of disputes most amenable to expedited procedures, monetary thresholds that trigger mandatory or optional fast track mechanisms, and sectoral applicability in areas such as construction, information technology, and international trade. A comparative assessment highlights the advantages and limitations of fast track arbitration vis-à-vis conventional arbitration, while a dedicated section addresses procedural fairness concerns, due process challenges, and institutional hurdles. Finally, the paper explores the future trajectory of fast track arbitration, examining technological integration through virtual hearings and artificial intelligence, ongoing legislative reforms, and the expanding acceptance of expedited procedures across SAARC nations.
Keywords: Fast Track Arbitration, Expedited Arbitration, Alternative Dispute Resolution, Commercial Disputes, Procedural Efficiency.
