Covid-19 effect: Online hearings will now become the new normal

Keeping in mind the fact that coronavirus is likely to spread its wings globally for at least another year or two, having sittings through video conferencing would be the new normal procedure to be adopted by all of us.

In the wake of this unprecedented challenge that Covid-19 has brought upon the world of dispute resolution, renowned arbitral institutions like the ICC, LCIA and SIAC have come up with certain guidelines, guidance notes etc., for the parties and the arbitrators on how to tackle the unnecessary delays and ways to revive and bring on track arbitral proceedings… Speaking of logistical and technical issues involved, I have experienced quite a lot of such issues in my limited experience, which if handled properly in a planned manner can drastically reduce the problems and instil confidence in the minds of parties as well as arbitrators