ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION (ADR) IN INDIA: A MODERN PATH TO JUSTICE

AUTHOR – ANURAG SHEORAN, STUDENT AT GURU GOBIND SINGH INDRAPRASTHA UNIVERSITY

BEST CITATION – ANURAG SHEORAN, ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION (ADR) IN INDIA: A MODERN PATH TO JUSTICE, INDIAN JOURNAL OF LEGAL REVIEW (IJLR), 5 (13) OF 2025, PG. 747-750, APIS – 3920 – 0001 & ISSN – 2583-2344

INTRODUCTION

Justice delayed is justice denied — this timeless saying captures one of the most persistent challenges faced by the Indian legal system. With more than 4.5 crore cases pending across Indian courts, the need for an efficient, affordable, and speedy mechanism of dispute resolution has become more pressing than ever. In this context, Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) has emerged as a powerful tool to supplement traditional court litigation.

ADR refers to a range of techniques that enable disputing parties to resolve their conflicts outside formal courts. It includes arbitration, mediation, conciliation, negotiation, and Lok Adalats. The core philosophy of ADR lies in promoting amicable settlement, procedural flexibility, party autonomy, and confidentiality.

In this blog, we will explore the concept, evolution, legal framework, and importance of ADR in India, along with landmark judgments and challenges in its implementation.