Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar voiced his concern on Saturday, stating that retired judges have maintained a “tight fist grip” on the country’s arbitral system, limiting opportunities for other qualified individuals. He called for introspection and emphasized the need for necessary changes, even through legislation if required.
Dhankhar commended Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud’s remarks on the lack of diversity in appointing arbitrators, highlighting the dominance of retired judges. The Vice President acknowledged Chandrachud’s assertion that this reflects an “old boys club mentality” in the arbitration space.
He urged for necessary changes, including potential legislative measures, to address these issues and enhance the arbitral process in India. Dhankhar also advocated for institutional arbitration, emphasizing its superiority over ad hoc mechanisms.
In conclusion, he stressed the importance of a fair, equitable, and conclusive dispute resolution mechanism for the nation’s prosperity.
