Alternate Dispute Resolution Services
Alternate dispute resolution in India — arbitration, mediation and neutral evaluation for commercial and civil disputes, handled by verified advocates.
Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR) resolves disputes outside the regular courts — faster, more privately and often at lower cost. Arbitration produces a binding award enforceable like a court decree; mediation helps the parties reach their own settlement; neutral evaluation gives an independent view of each side's strengths to guide negotiation.
WCP's verified advocates advise on the right route, draft claims and settlement terms, and represent clients before arbitral tribunals, mediators and the courts that support and enforce ADR outcomes.
What is covered:
- Arbitration under the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996
- Mediation, including pre-litigation mediation under the Mediation Act, 2023
- Neutral evaluation of disputes
For commercial disputes, pre-institution mediation is mandatory under Section 12A of the Commercial Courts Act, 2015 before a suit is filed, unless urgent interim relief is sought.
Advocate / Lawyer
3 services under Alternate Dispute Resolution
Arbitration
Arbitration representation by verified advocates — invoking the clause, tribunal formation, pleadings, hearings, award and enforcement or challenge.
Estimated Cost : ₹50,000 – ₹5,00,000180 days typical
Mediation
Mediation and pre-litigation mediation with verified advocates — prepare, negotiate and record enforceable settlements under the Mediation Act, 2023.
Estimated Cost : ₹10,000 – ₹1,00,00030 days typical
Neutral Evaluation
Neutral evaluation by verified legal experts — an independent, non-binding assessment of each side's case to guide settlement and next steps.
Estimated Cost : ₹25,000 – ₹2,00,00014 days typical
Frequently asked questions
- Is an arbitral award binding?
- Yes. An arbitral award is final and enforceable as a decree of a civil court, subject only to limited grounds for challenge under Section 34.
- Is mediation compulsory before a commercial suit?
- Yes, pre-institution mediation is mandatory under Section 12A of the Commercial Courts Act, 2015, unless the suit seeks urgent interim relief.
- Can a mediated settlement be enforced?
- Under the Mediation Act, 2023, a signed mediated settlement agreement is final and enforceable like a court judgment, subject to limited challenge.
- How long does arbitration take?
- The award must be made within 12 months of completion of pleadings, extendable by six months by consent, under Section 29A; fast-track arbitration aims for six months.
- Do I need an arbitration clause to arbitrate?
- Yes, or a separate written arbitration agreement signed after the dispute arises.
- Which disputes cannot be arbitrated?
- Matters such as criminal offences, matrimonial status, guardianship, insolvency and certain rights in rem are generally not arbitrable.