New SILF Dispute Resolution Centre, A Global Legal Hub, Says Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar

The Society of Indian Law Firms (SILF) marked a significant milestone today with the inauguration of its new building and the unveiling of the much-anticipated Dispute Solutions Centre. The event, graced by Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar, Hon’ble Vice President of India, as the chief guest, witnessed a historic moment as he inaugurated the new building via video screening at Bharat Mandapam.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by distinguished guests and members of the legal fraternity, including Dr Lalit Bhasin, President of SILF, Dr Sudesh Dhankhar, wife of Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar; Shri Shardul Shroff, Senior Vice-President, SILF; Shri Jyoti Sagar, Associate President, SILF; and Dr Bina Modi, Chairperson, Modi Enterprises.

In recognition of its social and professional responsibilities, SILF has decided to set up the Dispute Solutions Centre within its new premises at Rouse Avenue, New Delhi in cooperation with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). This Centre, equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, will become a beacon of legal excellence and innovation. Through research, legal education, and mediation initiatives, SILF aims to facilitate the expeditious resolution of disputes and promote a culture of amicable settlements.

Delivering the welcome address, Dr Lalit Bhasin, President of SILF, said, “SILF is conscious of its social and professional responsibilities, and it is seized of the problem of the laws delays facing the country with over five crore cases pending. Our citizens are entitled to secure to themselves JUSTICE – SOCIAL, ECONOMIC, AND POLITICAL. With this huge pendency of cases our citizens do not get easy, quick, inexpensive, and expeditious disposal of their cases. The government of India, in the last ten years, has taken effective steps to reduce this pendency of cases and certain other steps like simplification and rationalisation of laws are in the pipeline. However, SILF feels that it is not just the responsibility of the government or the judiciary to bring down the pendency of cases. We as professionals also have a professional social responsibility to do our bit and to minimise disputes.”

He added, “With this objective in view, SILF has decided to set up a Dispute Solutions Centre which will provide for research and continued legal learning with the objective of promoting settlement of disputes. SILF firmly believes that Mediation can bring about a revolutionary change in the system of administration of justice. The Parliament has recently passed a law regarding Mediation and it is in furtherance of that the Centre will provide for avenues for resolving disputes.”

In his address, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar, Hon’ble Vice President of India, said, “The centre can be an epicentre of much-needed affirmative change in legal technology. India's institutions are catalysing the nation's rise, and recent legislative reforms have unshackled our legal system. Our law firms now have global recognition, and it's time to converge efforts for effective dispute resolution. India's economic growth is undeniable, and collaboration among stakeholders is crucial for our global legal presence. We must recognise the significance of a robust dispute resolution mechanism in fostering harmony and economic growth. With India's exponential economic upsurge, commercial disputes are inevitable, and it's imperative that we approach arbitration as a means to preserve relationships and foster business opportunities. The inauguration of the new SILF building marks a monumental step in our legal landscape, providing a state-of-the-art facility to further our objectives. This new institution, combined with our commitment to arbitration, will solidify India's position as a global legal hub.”

The newly constructed building signifies a monumental step forward for SILF and the legal fraternity as a whole. More than just a physical structure, this edifice embodies SILF's unwavering dedication to addressing the pressing issue of judicial delays and enhancing access to justice for all citizens.

The inauguration ceremony concluded on a note of optimism and renewed determination to uphold the principles of justice and fairness. SILF looks forward to leveraging the resources of the new building and the Dispute Solutions Centre to serve the legal community and society at large.