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Resolving Disputes for a better Maritime Business |
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Maritime dispute resolution is the alternative means of resolving problems outside the court. Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms include arbitration, conciliation and mediation. In general, these methods serve as key tools to help various parties come to an agreement without litigating or using the judicial system. In arbitration, the parties in conflict agree to hire a third party to provide impartial opinion. This may be the final word on something and it could have the potential to become a protracted legal battle. Different methods apply to different maritime cases. In arbitration, the decision of the arbitrator (award) is binding. This means that the parties agree to abide by the finding of the arbitrator. In other methods like mediation, the third party acts as only a resource and hence his suggestions are non binding. ADR Centre, Kochi, in association with Cochin Chamber of Commerce recently organized a seminar on ‘Resolving disputes for better maritime business". It stressed on how alternative dispute resolution methods, such as face-to-face meetings, can improve business by minimizing legal costs, ensuring prompt dispute resolution and preserving relationships. Parties resorting to ADR methods have the following benefits: • Legally valid as per Arbitration and Conciliation Act 1996 • Settlement agreements are accepted by courts • Saves time for both parties • Helps maintain business relationships • The help of experienced persons can be sought to solve complex maritime disputes • Confidentiality can be maintained • The process is cheaper than long legal battles and the parties have the freedom to decide on the arbitrator’s fees • Compliance level is very high, as the parties voluntarily agree to resolve the dispute In the maritime sector, contractual disputes over bill of lading and sea-way bills, cargo and insurance claims, and disputes over multi-modal transport documents are a few areas where ADR methods can be easily explored. The Centre provides arbitration services for settlement of maritime disputes arising out of charter party contracts. It has framed maritime arbitration rules for the same. The Ministry of Surface Transport, Government of India, has recommended the use of the following arbitration clause in charter party contracts so that disputes, if any, can be settled under ICA maritime arbitration rules: "All disputes arising under this charter party shall be settled in India in accordance with the provisions of the Arbitration & Conciliation Act 1996 (No. 26 of 1996), and under the Maritime Arbitration Rules of the Indian Council of Arbitration. The Arbitrators are to be appointed from out of the Maritime Panel of Arbitrators of the Indian Council of Arbitration. The arbitrators shall be commercial men." The seminar suggested that parties needed to develop a culture of exploring possibilities of ADR methods before resorting to courts. These methods are legally valid, less procedural, quick and cheaper. It was reiterated during the seminar that a change in attitude towards litigation and business community was the need of the hour. A cultural change is important, like those in Western countries, wherein parties first explore the possibilities of settling disputes amongst themselves, before approaching the courts. |
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