Exciting Launch of India's Premier ADR Research Initiative

The ADR Society at Campus Law Centre (CLC), Faculty of Law, University of Delhi, has officially launched the inaugural 1st ADR Research Paper Writing Competition 2026. This prestigious event, in association with Corporate Legal Partners, New Delhi, under the patronage of Prof. (Dr.) Gunjan Gupta, invites law students nationwide to delve into critical issues shaping India's arbitration landscape. Announced recently amid growing emphasis on alternative dispute resolution (ADR) in higher legal education, the competition promises to foster innovative research and scholarly discourse.

With submissions open until April 15, 2026, this no-fee opportunity targets bonafide LL.B. students from 3-year and 5-year programs across recognized Indian law institutions. Co-authorship is permitted, limited to two authors from the same institution, encouraging collaborative efforts among peers.

Campus Law Centre: A Pillar of Legal Education in India

Established in 1924 as the flagship institution of Delhi University's Faculty of Law, Campus Law Centre has long been a beacon for aspiring lawyers. Located in the North Campus, CLC offers the renowned 3-year LL.B. program, accommodating around 900-1,000 students per batch as part of the faculty's total intake of nearly 2,900 seats across its three centres. Known for its rigorous curriculum and vibrant student societies, CLC emphasizes practical skills alongside theoretical knowledge, preparing graduates for diverse legal careers.

The ADR Society, a dynamic student-led body under CLC, plays a pivotal role in promoting alternative dispute resolution mechanisms. Through webinars, panel discussions, and now this groundbreaking paper competition, the society bridges academia and practice, equipping students with tools vital for modern legal challenges.

What is Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)?

Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) encompasses non-litigious methods like arbitration, mediation, conciliation, and negotiation to settle disputes efficiently. In India, ADR gained statutory backing through the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996, inspired by the UNCITRAL Model Law. Subsequent amendments in 2015, 2019, and 2021 have minimized judicial interference, expedited awards, and positioned India as an emerging global arbitration hub.

Why does ADR matter? India's courts face a staggering backlog of over 50 million cases. ADR offers speed, confidentiality, cost-effectiveness, and party autonomy. For international commercial arbitration, institutions like the Delhi International Arbitration Centre (DIAC) reported 23,894 hearings in 2025 alone, underscoring surging demand. The Mumbai Centre for International Arbitration (MCIA) saw a 48% rise in new cases from 2023 to 2024, reaching 34 matters.

Theme: Contemporary Challenges in International Commercial Arbitration in India

The competition's theme spotlights pressing issues in international commercial arbitration (ICA), where cross-border disputes involving Indian parties are adjudicated under Indian or foreign seats. ICA, defined under Section 2(1)(f) of the Act as disputes arising from legal relationships (contractual or not) considered commercial under Indian law, is pivotal for India's $3.5 trillion economy.

Participants select from seven sub-themes, each ripe for in-depth analysis:

• Arbitrability of Commercial Disputes in India: Uncertainty and Its Impact – Exploring evolving judicial tests like in Vidya Drolia v. Durga Trading Corporation (2021), balancing public policy with party choice.
• Judicial Intervention in International Commercial Arbitration: Rhetoric vs Reality – Analyzing post-2015 minimalism vs. cases like Amazon v. Future Retail.
• Technology Driven Arbitration in India: Prospects and Problems – Virtual hearings boom post-COVID, but cybersecurity risks persist.
• Emergency Arbitration in India: Recognition and Enforcement Challenges – Interim relief under SIAC/MCI rules vs. Section 9 petitions.
• Taxation Claims in Commercial Arbitration: Pleadings, Proof, and Practice – Interplay with Income Tax Act post-Geeta Mulchandani (2024).
• Ancillary and Consequential Damages: Scope, Limits, and Drafting Pitfalls – Drafting clauses amid ONGC v. Saw Pipes standards.
• Damages, Expert Evidence, and Valuation Methodologies in Arbitration – Quantum determination using DCF, market approach in energy/infra sectors.

These topics reflect real-world tensions, informed by Supreme Court rulings and institutional data, offering students a chance to propose solutions.

Step-by-Step Guide to Participation

1. Verify Eligibility: Enrolled in full-time LL.B. (3/5-year) at a recognized institution.
2. Choose Topic: Align with your expertise; conduct preliminary research.
3. Prepare Manuscript: 6,000 words max (incl. 300-word abstract), Times New Roman 12pt, 1.5 spacing; footnotes Bluebook 21st ed., 10pt.
4. Check Originality: Plagiarism <10%; no AI tools.
5. Submit: Email to adrresearchpaperclc@gmail.com with registration form, declaration, and ID proof by April 15, 2026.

All receive e-certificates; winners get cash prizes and merits. Evaluation by eminent jury on originality, analysis, structure.Campus Law Centre official site for brochure.

Attractive Prizes and Incentives

• 1st: ₹10,000 + Merit Certificate
• 2nd: ₹7,000 + Merit Certificate
• 3rd: ₹5,000 + Merit Certificate
• 3 Consolation: ₹2,000 each + Certificates

Winning papers may feature in an edited book, amplifying publication prospects.

Career Boost for Aspiring Arbitrators and Lawyers

Participating hones research, writing, and analytical skills essential for litigation, corporate law, or arbitration practice. ADR expertise opens doors to roles at firms like Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas or in-house counsel. Competitions like this enhance CVs, aiding placements via campus drives or portals like higher-ed-jobs and research-jobs. Law students report better interview performance post-ADR events, with skills transferable to mediation panels or DIAC arbitrators.

Explore career advice at higher-ed-career-advice or university jobs in India via /in.

Recent Trends Shaping India's Arbitration Ecosystem

2025 saw Supreme Court reinforce pro-arbitration stance in cases like Gayatri Balasamy, limiting court modifications. DIAC's expansion and Arbitration Council of India initiatives signal institutional maturity. Yet challenges persist: seat selection (Delhi/Mumbai preferred), enforceability abroad under New York Convention, and tech integration.

With FDI inflows hitting $81 billion in 2024-25, robust ICA is crucial for sectors like infrastructure and pharma.

Tips for Crafting a Standout Submission

• Ground arguments in recent judgments (e.g., Inox Wind v. Thermocables, 2024).
• Incorporate empirical data from MCIA/DIAC reports.
• Propose reforms: e.g., specialized arbitration benches.
• Ensure Bluebook precision; peer-review drafts.

Leverage resources like Google Scholar for literature.

Why This Competition Matters for Indian Higher Education

In an era prioritizing skill-based learning, initiatives like this align with NEP 2020's focus on research and interdisciplinarity. CLC's event not only elevates ADR scholarship but inspires similar competitions nationwide, nurturing the next generation of arbitration experts.

Prospective participants, seize this chance to contribute to India's arbitration evolution. For more opportunities, visit university-jobs, rate-my-professor, or post your profile at higher-ed-jobs and post-a-job.

Photo by Towfiqu barbhuiya on Unsplash