Ahmedabad, February 28 (NationPress) - On Saturday, the Chief Justice of India, Surya Kant, alongside Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, inaugurated the foundation stone for the new Gujarat High Court Arbitration Centre building on the High Court's premises. This event was a collaborative effort between the Gujarat High Court Arbitration Centre and the Gujarat State Legal Services Authority, under the High Court's supervision.

In attendance were Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi, Chief Justice of the Gujarat High Court Sunita Agarwal, and various judges from the Supreme and High Courts.

Justice Surya Kant addressed the audience, highlighting that the new facility and a conference focusing on institutional arbitration are pivotal milestones in enhancing India's dispute resolution system.

He emphasized that infrastructure serves not just administrative purposes but also showcases an institution's credibility. “When international investors or parties approach a professional and well-equipped arbitration center, it fosters confidence in the fair and impartial resolution of their disputes,” he stated.

He acknowledged that Gujarat's industrial and technological advancements have heightened the importance of institutional arbitration, especially for foreign investors.

Stressing on the significance of transparency and fairness, he remarked, “Trust in arbitration must be cultivated through well-defined procedures and investments in the training and quality of arbitrators.”

Justice Kant also mentioned the launch of the Centre's digital infrastructure, which includes its website and newsletter, asserting that these initiatives will bolster the development of arbitration in India.

Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel conveyed that judicial reforms aim to position India as a global arbitration hub, describing this initiative as a vital enhancement to the state’s judicial framework.

He referred to India's traditional dispute resolution methods, stating, “The principle of 'Panch Parmeshwar' in the panchayat system reflects concepts akin to contemporary arbitration. The lawyer's role is to mediate between conflicting parties, which is central to arbitration.”

Patel reaffirmed the state government's commitment to reinforcing judicial infrastructure with the motto of “Justice for All, Timely Justice,” noting that over Rs 2,700 crore has been allocated to the Law Department in the latest state budget.

“Arbitration can facilitate ease of doing business in a state that attracts substantial investments by allowing quicker dispute resolutions,” he added.

The occasion also inaugurated a two-day conference titled “Institutional Arbitration at a Crossroads: Challenges and the Way Forward” at the High Court auditorium, where the Arbitration Centre's logo was revealed, along with the launch of its revamped website and newsletter.