CJI Surya Kant Calls for Wider Use of ADR, Says India Must Become Global Hub for Commercial Arbitration

July 25, 2026 : Chief Justice of India Surya Kant has called for a significant expansion of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms, stressing that India must strengthen its arbitration framework to reduce judicial backlog and establish itself as a leading global destination for international commercial arbitration.

Addressing the SIAC Annual India Conference, the Chief Justice highlighted the enormous burden on the Indian judiciary, noting that courts across the country are currently dealing with more than five crore pending cases. He observed that these figures represent millions of individuals and businesses waiting for timely justice, making it imperative to explore faster and more effective methods of dispute resolution.

Emphasising that traditional courts alone cannot manage the increasing volume of litigation, CJI Surya Kant said ADR should no longer be viewed as a last resort but as the preferred mechanism for resolving commercial disputes. He noted that institutional arbitration offers quicker, transparent and cost-effective outcomes while helping preserve long-term business relationships and supporting economic growth.

The Chief Justice also acknowledged the important role institutions such as the Singapore International Arbitration Centre (SIAC) can play in helping India become a trusted venue for resolving international commercial disputes. He said strengthening institutional arbitration would enhance investor confidence and improve India’s position in the global legal and business landscape.

Calling for broader reforms in the justice delivery system, CJI Surya Kant urged judges, lawyers and the corporate sector to routinely include arbitration clauses in commercial agreements. He also advocated greater use of technology in dispute resolution, increased participation of women in adjudicatory processes and continuous strengthening of India’s legal framework. According to him, the justice delivery system in 21st-century India must be faster, more accessible and more credible.

Concluding his address, the Chief Justice said reducing judicial pendency is a collective responsibility of the judiciary, the legal profession and the business community. He urged all stakeholders to work together in building a modern, efficient and robust dispute resolution ecosystem.

The SIAC Annual India Conference brought together judges, senior advocates, arbitrators, jurists, industry leaders and legal experts to discuss ways to strengthen India’s arbitration ecosystem and enhance its reputation as a preferred destination for international commercial arbitration.