New Delhi: Chief Justice of India Surya Kant has proposed creating a public register that would contain important information about arbitrators, including possible conflicts of interest, current workload, expertise, and the average time they take to deliver decisions.
The proposal aims to make India’s arbitration system more transparent, reliable, and trustworthy for businesses and individuals seeking dispute resolution. The suggestion was made during India ADR Week 2026 and is being seen as a significant step toward improving confidence in arbitration.
Details of CJI Surya Kant Arbitration Register Proposal
CJI Surya Kant suggested the creation of a common cross-institutional register that would provide key details about arbitrators. The database could include information such as professional experience, areas of expertise, ongoing caseload, average time taken to complete cases, and any potential conflicts of interest.
Making Selection More Transparent
At present, many arbitrators are selected based on professional reputation and recommendations within limited circles. The proposed register would allow parties to review objective information before choosing an arbitrator, helping them make informed decisions.
What Is Arbitration
Arbitration is a method of resolving disputes outside traditional courts. Instead of a judge, an independent person known as an arbitrator hears both sides and gives a decision. It is commonly used in business and commercial disputes because it is usually faster and more flexible than court proceedings.
Why Transparency Matters
For arbitration to work effectively, all parties must trust that the arbitrator is neutral and independent. If there is uncertainty about an arbitrator’s relationships, workload, or background, confidence in the process can be reduced.
Why The CJI Surya Kant Arbitration Register Proposal Is Important
One of the key goals of the proposed register is to make conflicts of interest easier to identify. If parties can access information about an arbitrator’s professional connections and previous engagements, they can better assess whether the arbitrator is truly impartial.
Better Information For Businesses
Businesses often invest significant resources in arbitration proceedings. A transparent database would help companies choose arbitrators based on proven experience and performance rather than relying solely on reputation.
Improving Trust In The System
A more open system can strengthen trust among domestic and international investors. Experts believe that transparency is one of the key factors that helps arbitration centres gain global recognition.
India’s Ambition To Become A Global Arbitration Hub
During his address, CJI Surya Kant emphasized that India’s goal of becoming a preferred international arbitration destination depends not only on legal reforms but also on efficiency, predictability, and institutional credibility.
CJI Surya Kant Arbitration Register Proposal: Building Global Confidence
International businesses often consider transparency and accountability before choosing a country as the seat of arbitration. The proposed register could improve India’s reputation by making the arbitration process more open and easier to evaluate.
A Broader Push For Arbitration Reforms
The proposal comes at a time when legal experts are discussing ways to make arbitration faster, more affordable, and more accessible. Earlier, CJI Surya Kant also highlighted concerns about rising costs and increasing complexity in arbitration, stressing the need for meaningful reforms.
What Could Change If The Register Is Created
Lawyers, businesses, and individuals would have access to verified information about arbitrators. This could reduce uncertainty and help parties make more informed choices.
Greater Accountability
Since performance-related information may become available, arbitrators could face stronger expectations regarding efficiency and transparency. This may encourage higher professional standards across the sector.
Stronger Arbitration Ecosystem
Experts believe a transparent system could attract more users to institutional arbitration and strengthen India’s position in the global dispute-resolution market.
Read also: Why AG R Venkataramani Wants India To Reconsider Its Arbitration Rules
FAQs
The aim is to improve transparency, help parties choose arbitrators more effectively, and strengthen trust in India’s arbitration system.
It is a proposed public database that would contain information about arbitrators, including their expertise, workload, average case completion time, and potential conflicts of interest.
Businesses would gain access to reliable information about arbitrators, making it easier to select qualified and impartial professionals for dispute resolution.
