Introduction

The justice system in India has been under great stress for a number of reasons, primarily due to the enormous pendency of court cases in India underlining the need for Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) methods. ADR refers to a variety of dispute resolution strategies that mainly act as alternatives to litigation and are usually performed with the help of a neutral and impartial third party. Mediation, Conciliation, Arbitration, Lok Adalats, Mediation-Arbitration Early Neutral Assessment and Mini Trial are some examples of ADR procedures. The ADR centre, DSNLU therefore found it appropriate to provide a new platform for academic deliberations and research studies on the methods, practices and procedures of ADR techniques.

Keeping in view the aforesaid facts, it was decided to establish DSNLU Centre for Alternative Dispute Resolution (CADR hereinafter) under the aegis of Damodaram Sanjivayya National Law University, Visakhapatnam.

Vision and Mission:

The CADR has a vision to encourage the use of ADR methods by legal and non-legal practitioners, students and the general public at large. In order to settle conflicts and disputes, the skills used in ADR approaches are required for us all. These are life skills. The CADR aims to contribute by way of knowing other people’s views, interplay, empathy, critical thought and interests. In terms of conflicts and differences, the CADR seeks to promote ADR culture. We deem that the future of dispute resolution is and should belong to ADR. Our focus is therefore on training the next generation of ADR practitioners whether they are lawyers, HR managers, engineers, finance professionals, doctors or belonging to any other field.

Thus, we at CADR are of firm belief that it is important that the benefits of ADR be seen and projected to reach the ultimate beneficiaries through a structured forum dedicated to ADR rather than the current fragmented approach embraced by others.

We at CADR would contribute to promote Lok Adalat as a dispute resolution process as stipulated under Legal Services Authority Act, 1987.

We at CADR strive for professional service, value independence and encourage flexibility in dispute resolution. We are committed to delivering–whatever the challenge; and while doing so practice the dictum of the ADR which is a ‘win-win’ situation for all.

OBJECTIVES:

The listed objectives of the Centre inter alia are as follows:

1. To undertake and promote policy oriented research and academic teaching in ADR procedures, namely: Mediation, Conciliation, Arbitration, Lok Adalats Negotiation and Mini Trial.
2. Assist the Government in policy-formulation on aspects related to arbitration law in the country.
3. To conduct online customized training programs for the targeted teams of system functionaries/stakeholders and help them in uplifting their theoretical approach towards the law pertaining to ADR and thus bridge the gap between the theory and practice.
4. To undertake research projects on the above and related multi-disciplinary fields and to provide opportunities for experiential learning to students.
5. To organize periodic guest lectures seminars, workshops, courses, training programs and annual conferences.
6. To collaborate with institutions of ADR and provide training and awareness to the people about the benefits of ADR through various awareness camps and classes.
7. To provide mediation and Arbitration to the interested parties.
8. Provide quality training to industry professionals with the aid of recognized experts to help increase the standard and quality of arbitration services, especially in the areas of arbitration where there is a large demand for quality services and a shortage of qualified professionals.
9. To adopt the best practices in the field of ADR and to promote ADR culture in India.

The Committee shall comprise of a team of student members under the mentorship and guidance of Chair Person and Faculty Advisor.