Technology is revolutionizing the way legal professionals work, and
arbitration practice is no exception. The use of technology in modern
arbitration practice has increased exponentially in recent years, and its
relevance in the Indian context cannot be overstated. This article aims to
explore the role of technology in modern arbitration practice and its relevance
in the Indian context.
The Role of Technology in Modern Arbitration Practice:
Technology has several roles in modern arbitration practice, such as:
Virtual hearings:
Virtual hearings have become more prevalent in arbitration practice due to the
COVID-19 pandemic. The use of video conferencing tools such as Zoom and WebEx
has made it possible for parties to attend hearings from anywhere in the world.
Virtual hearings have significantly reduced the cost and time required for
physical hearings and have made arbitration more accessible to parties in remote
locations.
Document management:
The use of technology has made document management more efficient and secure.
Cloud-based platforms such as Dropbox and Google Drive allow parties to share
documents securely and collaborate in real time. Electronic document management
systems (EDMS) have made it easier to organize and manage large volumes of
documents, making document review faster and more efficient.
E-Discovery:
Electronic discovery (e-discovery) refers to the process of identifying,
collecting, and producing electronically stored information (ESI) in litigation
or arbitration proceedings. The use of technology has made e-discovery more
efficient and cost-effective. E-discovery software such as Relativity and
Everlaw allows parties to search, review, and analyze ESI quickly and
accurately.
Online dispute resolution:
Online dispute resolution (ODR) is a method of resolving disputes using
technology. ODR platforms such as Modron and Cybersettle allow parties to
resolve disputes without the need for physical hearings. ODR is particularly
relevant in the Indian context as it can help reduce the backlog of cases in
Indian courts.
Relevance of Technology in the Indian Context:
The use of technology in arbitration practice is especially relevant in the
Indian context due to the following reasons:
- Cost-effectiveness:
The use of technology has made arbitration more cost-effective, which is
significant in a country like India where the cost of litigation can be
prohibitively high.
- Accessibility:
The use of virtual hearings and ODR platforms has made arbitration more
accessible to parties in remote locations, which is significant in a country
as vast as India.
- Efficiency:
The use of technology has made arbitration more efficient, reducing the time
and cost required for physical hearings and document management.
Conclusion:
The use of technology in modern arbitration practice has revolutionized the way
legal professionals work. The relevance of technology in the Indian context
cannot be overstated. The use of technology has made arbitration more
cost-effective, accessible, and efficient, which is significant in a country
like India.
As technology continues to evolve, it will undoubtedly play an even more
significant role in modern arbitration practice. Legal professionals must keep
themselves updated on the latest technological advancements to ensure that they
remain competitive and relevant in the ever-changing legal landscape.
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