ONLINE DISPUTE RESOLUTION IN INDIA: A COMPREHENSIVE ANALYSIS OF ITS LEGAL, TECHNOLOGICAL, AND JUDICIAL FRAMEWORK
AUTHOR – ADV. PRAYAG SHAM SASANE, LLM II YEAR, DES’S SNFLC, PUNE
BEST CITATION – ADV. PRAYAG SHAM SASANE, ONLINE DISPUTE RESOLUTION IN INDIA: A COMPREHENSIVE ANALYSIS OF ITS LEGAL, TECHNOLOGICAL, AND JUDICIAL FRAMEWORK, INDIAN JOURNAL OF LEGAL REVIEW (IJLR), 6 (2) OF 2026, PG. 16-26, APIS – 3920 – 0001 & ISSN – 2583-2344.
I. Introduction
1.1. Context and The Imperative for Change
The Indian legal system is currently grappling with an immense and well-documented burden of pending cases, which stands as a significant impediment to both the efficient delivery of justice and the nation’s economic progress.1 With over 3 crore cases pending in Indian courts, this figure is projected to exceed 15 crore by 2050 if the current rate of disposal and new filings persists.3 This staggering backlog is not merely a statistical anomaly; it is a fundamental challenge to the constitutional right to property and the human right to dignity, and it actively erodes the credibility of constitutional governance.3 The delays in dispute resolution can also hinder economic reforms and deter foreign investment, as businesses are wary of protracted litigation.3
In this context, Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) has emerged as a strategic imperative, representing a systemic response to this national crisis.5 ODR is more than a simple technological upgrade; it is a transformative policy initiative designed to create a parallel, highly efficient ecosystem for dispute resolution. The primary objective is to “contain” disputes before they escalate and enter the formal court system, thereby easing the burden on the judiciary and serving as a critical component of India’s broader economic revival strategy.5 This report provides a comprehensive analysis of ODR, examining its foundational principles, legal underpinnings, judicial endorsement, and the critical challenges that must be addressed for its widespread and equitable adoption.