The Future Of Dispute Resolution In India: Towards A Seamless ADR And ODR Integration
- IJLLR Journal
- 2 hours ago
- 1 min read
Dharmesh, Department of Law, Maharshi Dayanand UniversityRohtak
Prof. (Dr.) Sonu, Department of Law, Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak
ABSTRACT
The Indian judiciary is currently navigating a transformative era where the chronic burden of over 50 million pending cases necessitates a shift from traditional litigation to technology-driven resolution frameworks. This research paper explores the critical evolution of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) through its integration with Online Dispute Resolution (ODR), moving beyond mere digitized communication toward a holistic, platform-based ecosystem. By analyzing the transition from "digitized ADR"—the simple use of video conferencing—to "True ODR," the study highlights the emergence of technology as the "Fourth Party." This digital actor augments human neutrality with AI-assisted discovery, automated triaging, and data-driven settlement insights.
The paper examines the end-to-end lifecycle of an integrated dispute, from electronic notice to blockchain-secured digital enforcement, while advocating for a "Phygital" approach to bridge India’s significant digital divide. Through case studies of pioneering platforms like SEBI’s SCORES and the MSME Samadhaan portal, the research demonstrates the efficacy of seamless ADR-ODR synergy. However, it also addresses critical roadblocks, including data sovereignty, algorithmic bias, and the legal complexities of e- stamping and "human-in-the-loop" requirements.
Ultimately, the paper proposes a series of policy recommendations aimed at creating a "Justice as a Service" (JaaS) model. It concludes that the future of dispute resolution in India lies in an interoperable framework where private innovation and public e-Courts infrastructure converge, ensuring that justice is not only a formal decree but a seamless, accessible, and timely reality for all citizens.
Keywords: Alternative Dispute Resolution; Online Dispute Resolution; Digital Justice; Arbitration; Mediation; Access to Justice; Judicial Reform; Legal Technology.
