Government today introduced the Arbitration and Reconciliation Bill 2015 in the Lok Sabh. The bill seeks to replace an ordinance promulgated in October this year aimed at amending a law on arbitration for speedy settlement of high value business disputes. As soon as Law Minister DV Sadananda Gowda introduced the Bill, Trinamool Congress members raised questions on it . Party MP Saugata Roy opposed its introduction saying certain clauses relating to jurisdiction of courts in helping settle commercial disputes will create two classes in the country. His party colleague Kalyan Banerjee also pointed out that original jurisdiction lies only with the High Courts of Calcutta, Madras and Bombay which were created before India became independent. Intervening, Mr Gowda said though the amendment bill is clear and there is no confusion about settling international and other arbitrations the issues raised by the members can be discussed when bill comes up for consideration and passage. For speedy settlement of commercial disputes, the Cabinet had in August cleared the bill to amend the Arbitration Act to fix a timeline for arbitrators to resolve cases.
News On AIR | December 3, 2015 4:48 PM
Govt tables Arbitration and Reconciliation Bill 2015 in Lok Sabh