Latest news with #HemantGupta
India Gazette
15-06-2025
- Business
- India Gazette
"India will become the arbitration hub," says Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal
New Delhi [India], June 15 (ANI): In an effort to strengthen India's status as a global hub for arbitration, a National Conference on Institutional Arbitration was convened by the Department of Legal Affairs, Ministry of Law and Justice, in collaboration with ONGC and the India International Arbitration Centre (IIAC), a release said on Sunday. This event took place at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, on June 14. According to the release, the day-long Conference brought together senior officials from the Ministry of Law and Justice, representatives of Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs), legal experts and arbitration professionals. The aim was to promote institutional arbitration as the preferred mode of commercial dispute resolution and to highlight the IIAC as a globally competitive arbitral institution. Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Law and Justice & Parliamentary Affairs, Arjun Ram Meghwal, graced the occasion as Guest of Honour. In his address, he bridged India's modern legal aspirations with its philosophical history, referencing the country's ancient tradition of consensual dispute resolution and stating that arbitration is deeply rooted in Indian culture. Affirming the Government's vision with conviction, he stated that 'India will become the arbitration hub.' The inaugural session opened with a welcome address by Hon'ble Shri Justice Hemant Gupta (Retd.), Chairperson, IIAC, who discussed key challenges hindering the growth of institutional arbitration in India, particularly the continued reliance on ad hoc mechanisms. He emphasised the transition from the erstwhile International Centre for Alternative Dispute Resolution (ICADR) to IIAC as a significant move by the Government and stressed the need for Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) to adopt structured institutional frameworks. Avnit Singh Arora, Director, Department of Legal Affairs, followed with a detailed presentation outlining the legislative strides and policy reforms undertaken by the Department over the last decade. Arun Kumar Singh, Chairman, Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC), brought an industry perspective, calling for faster, institutionalised arbitration processes. He remarked, 'Timeliness, not timelessness, should be the ethos of our legal systems.' Shri K Moses Chalai, Secretary, Department of Public Enterprises, echoed the thought, highlighting that effective arbitration directly affects governance, operational efficiency and the economic health of CPSEs. Dr. Anju Rathi Rana, Secretary, Department of Legal Affairs, Ministry of Law & Justice provided a comprehensive overview of legal reforms -- from repealing obsolete laws to digitising the court system. She emphasised the Government's vision to develop IIAC as a world-class arbitral institution, at par with leading international arbitration centres, particularly by incorporating dispute resolution clauses in PSU contracts that designate IIAC as the preferred institution of arbitration. Following the inaugural session, the Conference featured four technical sessions, each delving into key aspects of institutional arbitration. In addition to the participation of over 150 distinguished delegates, the Conference witnessed strong virtual engagement with over 700 views on Facebook and more than 900 live views on YouTube. The first session, 'Strengthening Dispute Resolution in PSUs: The Role of Institutional Arbitration', addressed public sector-specific challenges and institutional arbitration's potential in transforming the dispute resolution landscape, particularly concerning infrastructure and public sector contracts. Speakers highlighted the need for capacity-building and called for structured, institutional processes over fragmented ad hoc mechanisms, with support from bodies like IIAC. The second session took a close look at the IIAC (Conduct of Arbitration) Regulations, 2023, breaking down key provisions and their practical relevance. A short film was also screened, showcasing IIAC's state-of-the-art infrastructure and signalling India's readiness to handle complex, high-stakes arbitrations. The third session, 'Best Practices During Arbitral Process -- A Discourse', focused on procedural and institutional best practices to enhance the effectiveness of arbitration. Speakers advocated for structured case management, suggesting that their regularisation under institutional rules would enhance clarity, expedite timelines, and minimise ambiguities in the arbitral process. The fourth session focused on learnings from international jurisdictions and the way ahead for the arbitration ecosystem in India. The discussion included global practices, emergency arbitration and access to legal research tools to make arbitration more accessible. The technical sessions concluded with a vote of thanks by Ganesh Chandru, part-time member, IIAC. As India rapidly expands its global footprint, the Conference set the tone for the country's next leap in arbitration excellence, anchored in institutional strength and international best practices. (ANI)
Hans India
15-06-2025
- Business
- Hans India
Committed to making India a global arbitration hub: Arjun Ram Meghwal
Invoking the country's ancient tradition of consensual dispute resolution, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Law and Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Arjun Ram Meghwal said that the government is committed to making India a global arbitration hub. Addressing a National Conference on Institutional Arbitration, organised by the Department of Legal Affairs, Ministry of Law and Justice, in collaboration with ONGC and the India International Arbitration Centre (IIAC) on Saturday, the Minister said efforts are being made to promote institutional arbitration as the preferred mode of commercial dispute resolution. He said the government is also trying to highlight the IIAC as a globally competitive arbitral institution. The day-long Conference brought together senior officials from the Ministry of Law and Justice, representatives of Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs), legal experts and arbitration professionals. The Conference featured four technical sessions, each delving into key aspects of institutional arbitration. In addition to the participation of over 150 distinguished delegates, the Conference witnessed strong virtual engagement with over 1,600 views on social media. The first session, 'Strengthening Dispute Resolution in PSUs: The Role of Institutional Arbitration', addressed public sector-specific challenges and institutional arbitration's potential in transforming the dispute resolution landscape, particularly concerning infrastructure and public sector contracts. Speakers highlighted the need for capacity-building and called for structured, institutional processes over fragmented ad hoc mechanisms, with support from bodies like IIAC. The second session took a close look at the IIAC (Conduct of Arbitration) Regulations, 2023, breaking down key provisions and their practical relevance. A short film was also screened, showcasing IIAC's state-of-the-art infrastructure and signalling India's readiness to handle complex, high-stakes arbitrations. The third session, 'Best Practices During Arbitral Process — A Discourse', focused on procedural and institutional best practices to enhance the effectiveness of arbitration. Speakers advocated structured case management, suggesting that their regularisation under institutional rules would enhance clarity, expedite timelines, and minimise ambiguities in the arbitral process. The fourth session focused on learnings from international jurisdictions and the way ahead for the arbitration ecosystem in India. The discussion included global practices, emergency arbitration and access to legal research tools to make arbitration more accessible. The inaugural session opened with a welcome address by Justice Hemant Gupta (Retd.), Chairperson, IIAC, who discussed key challenges hindering the growth of institutional arbitration in India, particularly the continued reliance on ad hoc mechanisms. He emphasised the transition from the erstwhile International Centre for Alternative Dispute Resolution (ICADR) to IIAC as a significant move by the Government and stressed the need for Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) to adopt structured institutional frameworks.
Time of India
26-04-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
Heavy vehicles ignore ban, jam Ghodbunder highway
Thane: Motorists faced major inconvenience as hundreds of heavy freight vehicles clogged the Ghodbunder Highway, defying restrictions imposed on their movement for four days to facilitate prompt repair work of the highway stretch at Gaimukh Ghat. The Thane traffic police banned all heavy and multi-axle freight vehicles from using the highway in both directions from Saturday to Monday midnight, as two lanes at the ghat were shut for repairs. However, many transporters — particularly from JNPT, Nashik, and Mumbai — apparently ignored the advisory, causing a massive pile-up at the mouth of the highway at Majiwada starting Friday night. This compelled the authorities to allow the trucks to ply toward Borivli, a move that backfired when these vehicles got stuck in the ghat section, leading to an 8-km tailback stretching to Kapurbawdi by morning. You Can Also Check: Mumbai AQI | Weather in Mumbai | Bank Holidays in Mumbai | Public Holidays in Mumbai The situation worsened when several truck drivers abandoned their vehicles on the highway, further reducing lane availability and disrupting traffic. "The restriction for trucks was meant to prevent congestion at the repair site, as multi-axle trucks would struggle with frequent lane switching. But our plan failed," a senior traffic official admitted. "We deployed extra personnel and diverted stranded trucks from the Borivali-bound lanes to take U-turns at Manpada, Anand Nagar, and Waghbil junctions. We also tracked down truck owners and warned of legal action if vehicles weren't cleared." by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Google Brain Co-Founder Andrew Ng, Recommends: Read These 5 Books And Turn Your Life Around Blinkist: Andrew Ng's Reading List Undo Despite fewer vehicles on Saturday morning, office-goers still faced delays. Hemant Gupta reported being stuck for hours, stating, "Heavy vehicles were supposed to be banned, but they were everywhere. No updates, no traffic cops advising commuters." Neha Thakker was stranded at Owala for 45 minutes and had to cancel a meeting in Borivali. While the city limits remained clear by evening, motorists Jayant Bhat and Keyur Gondalia complained of congestion at the repair site even by evening. Transporters, already frustrated by frequent delays, claimed they were given too little time to plan alternate routes. The Ghodbunder Highway is a crucial connector for traffic between Gujarat, Mumbai, Thane, Navi Mumbai, the Konkan region, and Nashik, with over one lakh vehicles using it daily.
Time of India
25-04-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Curtailing assembly tenures, parliament would run afoul of Constitution's basic structure: Singhvi
Abhishek Manu Singhvi NEW DELHI: Senior lawyer Abhishek Singhvi questioned the constitutionality of various provisions of the bill on simultaneous elections, while former justice Hemant Gupta opposed some key provisions about curtailing of assembly tenures , and suggested alternatives. Deposing before the joint parliamentary committee (JPC) vetting the legislation, according to diverse sources, Singhvi said curtailment of assembly tenures, as well as that of Parliament, would run afoul of the basic structure of the Constitution. He is reported to have termed it as compulsory reduction in the tenures of legislatures, which translates to tampering with the will of the people. Hemant Gupta is learnt to have questioned the amendment to Article 82 , as prescribed in the bill. In a written opinion, he has argued that an assembly should necessarily get a minimum of three years, before which it cannot be dissolved to synchronise its tenure with the Lok Sabha. He instead is said to have advocated that assembly tenures in such cases should be extended beyond their term to match with LS cycle. Others who spoke before the panel were retired justices BS Chauhan (former Law Commission chairman) and SN Jha. The JPC, headed by PP Chaudhary, comprises MPs Kalyan Banerjee, Randeep Surjewala, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, P Wilson, Ghanshyam Tiwari, Sambit Patra, among others. Chauhan and Jha supported the bill, sources said. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Free P2,000 GCash eGift UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo Singhvi, who is also a senior Congress MP, is said to have argued that the bill does not provide for seeking the assemblies' assent to reduce their tenures but a concurrence would be required under Article 368. He reportedly also pointed out that changing the tenure of assembly would have a bearing on the election of Rajya Sabha members from those states. He said ratification by states would be a must if the assembly tenure was being slashed. Interestingly, Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, sources said, asked if simultaneous polls would reduce the diversity of regional parties in states and at the Centre. She also asked if holding the polls together will result in similar outcomes in states and the Centre. Sources said DMK MP Wilson told Chauhan that the law commission's report spoke about seeking assent of states while he was now arguing that it was not required. TheMP reportedly argued that not seeking states' concurrence went against the principle of cooperative federalism as the Centre is downgrading the states' rights just to sync the LS polls with assemblies.
The Print
23-04-2025
- Politics
- The Print
JPC all-states visit to begin from Maharashtra on May 17; to gather opinions on ‘One Nation, One Election'
Speaking to ANI, Chairman of the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on 'One Nation, One Election' PP Chaudhary on Tuesday said that Maharashtra will be covered first from May 17 to May 18. New Delhi [India], April 22 (ANI): The Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) all-state visit on 'One Nation, One Election' will begin from Maharashtra on May 17, followed by Uttarakhand, Jammu and Kashmir, Chandigarh and Punjab. 'The committee believes that it should visit all states and hear their opinions, which is why the tour is being organised. Maharashtra will be covered first on May 17-18, then Uttarakhand between May 19 and 21. Jammu and Kashmir, Chandigarh (Punjab and Haryana) will be covered in June, according to different categories. Everyone will be heard, whether a celebrity, a sports person or anyone else, to know the thoughts of the people of the country, and will this be beneficial for the country?' he said. Reacting to the website launch, PP Chaudhary said that there should be 'transparency' and the entire Committee has agreed on this. 'There should be transparency. The entire Committee has agreed that we must keep transparency. The website will facilitate opinions from all the stakeholders. The committee took decisions on two major things — the advertisement will be printed in all languages so that all stakeholders can give their opinions… Secondly, the website will facilitate inputs from all stakeholders… This is being examined by the Secretary General… The development of technology is taking time to ensure the website doesn't crash… The website will be launched soon with a QR code facility. Suggestions will be collected, and Parliamentarians will review them,' he added. He further remarked that everyone has different opinions 'There could be different opinions in the Committee too…One time will come when all the members will agree to it because all the leaders think for the nation and will agree over it for the nation's interest,' he said. PP Chaudhary further asserted that in today's meeting, former judge of the Supreme Court, Justice Hemant Gupta, along with Justice SN Jha, Dr BS Chauhan, and Dr Abhishek Manu Singhvi, will be there for the interaction. The Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on 'One Nation, One Election' is underway and will continue till 5 pm. In the first session, there will be an interaction with Justice Hemant Gupta, former judge of the Supreme Court. This will be followed by a session with Justice SN Jha, former Chief Justice of the Jammu and Kashmir High Court. The next session will include Dr Justice BS Chauhan, former Supreme Court judge and Chairman of the 21st Law Commission of India. The final session will be with Abhishek Manu Singhvi, Rajya Sabha Member and Senior Advocate. On March 25, the JPC held an important meeting that lasted over five hours. Several MPS in the committee raised concerns about the practicality of holding Lok Sabha and state elections together. (ANI) This report is auto-generated from ANI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.
