New Delhi: The Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Board of Hamdard Institute of Legal Studies and Research (HILSR), Jamia Hamdard successfully hosted the HILSR International Arbitration Conference 2025 at Convention Centre, Jamia Hamdard here Saturday. The conference focused on the global rise of international arbitration, bringing together leading legal experts, arbitrators, mediators, and academicians from India and abroad.
The conference was graced by Chief Guest, Justice Dinesh Kumar Sharma, Judge at the Delhi High Court. The esteemed guest speakers included Mr. Joe Tirado, an International Arbitrator and Mediator from London, and Mr. Paolo Marzolini, an International Arbitrator and Mediator from Switzerland. Guests of Honour were Senior Advocates Mr. Aruneshwar Gupta and Mr. Vaibhav Gaggar of the Supreme Court of India.
The event was held under the patronship of Vice Chancellor Prof. (Dr.) M. Afshar Alam and under the guidance of Registrar Dr. M.A. Sikander, and Dean of the School of Law, Hamdard Institute of Legal Studies and Research (HILSR), Prof. (Dr.) Saleena K. Basheer, their leadership and support ensured the conference’s success, promoting academic excellence and practical learning in dispute resolution.
The conference commenced with the recitation of the Holy Quran, followed by an address by Prof. (Dr.) Saleena K. Basheer, Dean, School of Law, Hamdard Institute of Legal Studies and Research (HILSR) who welcomed the panelists and the audience. She highlighted HILSR’s commitment to promoting ADR and ensuring that students gain practical exposure to emerging legal fields through the ADR Board.
The Chief Guest, Justice Dinesh Kumar Sharma emphasised arbitration as an efficient dispute resolution mechanism with minimal judicial intervention. He discussed the increasing role of technology and AI in arbitration and highlighted the growing trends of third-party funding and institutional arbitration, which enhance transparency and accessibility.
The Vice Chancellor, Jamia Hamdard Prof. (Dr.) M. Afshar Alam, in his presidential address, emphasised the growing importance of arbitration globally and in India. He highlighted the Jamia Hamdard’s active role in promoting arbitration through its ADR Board, competitions, and seminars. He also referred to a 2024 Supreme Court judgement, which ruled that the unilateral appointment of an arbitrator violates Article-14 of the Indian Constitution, stressing the need for fair arbitration practices.
Mr. Joe Tirado, an International Arbitrator and Mediator from London, traced the global evolution of arbitration and noted India’s increasing participation, especially in Singapore International Arbitration Centre (SIAC). He pointed out that India is embracing ADR methods as a preferred alternative to litigation.
Mr. Paolo Marzolini, an International Arbitrator and Mediator from Switzerland, discussed the critical role of arbitrators, stressing the importance of autonomy in decision-making to uphold the true essence of arbitration.
The Guest of Honour, Mr. Aruneshwar Gupta, Senior Advocate, Supreme Court of India, highlighted mediation as an effective and peaceful dispute resolution method. He compared public courts, which involve government intervention, with private courts, where parties have greater flexibility and control over their cases. He emphasised the transformative power of arbitration, mediation, and conciliation in resolving conflicts.
Another Guest of Honour, Mr. Vaibhav Gaggar, Senior Advocate, Supreme Court of India, differentiated arbitration from litigation, describing it as a clinical, fact-driven approach, unlike litigation, which is more jurisprudentially complex. He encouraged young legal minds to explore arbitration, recognising it as the future of dispute resolution in India and globally.
After an engaging and insightful discussion, the conference successfully concluded with a vote of thanks, given by Faculty Convenor Ms. Naazish Fatima, Assistant Professor at HILSR, Jamia Hamdard. The event reinforced the growing importance of arbitration and positioned India as a significant player in international dispute resolution.
The event concluded with the National Anthem.
