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Meghwal Pushes Arbitration, Decriminalisation Reforms

2026-04-13

Union Law and Justice Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal said the Government is committed to strengthening institutional arbitration, decriminalising minor offences and modernising outdated laws to improve regulatory efficiency and support ease of doing business.

Addressing the valedictory session on the concluding day of the International Conference on “Arbitration in the Era of Globalisation”, organised by the Indian Council of Arbitration (ICA) in New Delhi, the Minister underlined the need for structured dispute resolution mechanisms in a rapidly changing global economy.

Emphasising a shift away from informal mechanisms, Meghwal said, “Instead of ad-hoc arbitration, there should be institutional arbitration. We agree with this approach, and when we agree, you can be assured that the Government will work decisively in this direction, strengthening dispute resolution mechanisms and building greater trust in the system.”

He added that reforms related to arbitration frameworks, including the appointment of arbitrators and commercial law processes, are currently under active consideration, with committees examining key areas.

Highlighting the Government’s larger reform agenda, Meghwal said nearly 1,000 offences have been decriminalised to reduce unnecessary legal burdens. “Nearly 1000 offences have been decriminalised. There were situations where a fine of 100 rupees required a process costing 10,000 rupees. Such provisions needed rationalisation, and our effort is to make laws practical, efficient, and supportive of ease of doing business,” he said.

The Minister also referred to amendments aimed at removing discriminatory provisions from colonial-era laws, including reforms in the Indian Succession Act, 1925. “Some provisions in older laws were discriminatory and did not reflect the principle of equality. Our Constitution stands on equality, liberty, fraternity, and justice, and it is our responsibility to ensure that every law aligns with these foundational values,” he said.

Meghwal also spoke about broader reforms in the criminal justice system, while stressing that civil and commercial law reforms remain equally important for economic growth.

He informed that a Public Trust Bill has been passed during the ongoing Budget Session after scrutiny by a Joint Parliamentary Committee.

The Minister further highlighted the growing role of technology in the legal ecosystem, including artificial intelligence and virtual hearings, in improving dispute resolution efficiency.

Drawing from India’s traditional dispute resolution practices, he cited the concept of “Panch Parmeshwar” as a reminder of the importance of neutrality and impartiality in arbitration.

Meghwal also said India will host a BRICS conference in Ahmedabad, bringing together justice ministers and officials from 10 countries to strengthen international legal cooperation.

He reiterated that legal and institutional reforms remain central to India’s economic vision and its goal of becoming one of the world’s leading economies.

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