CJI Surya Kant to launch international arbitration centre in Chandigarh on March 7
Will provide professionally administered arbitration under rule-based framework
Chandigarh will formally join India’s growing network of recognised arbitration centres on March 7, when Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant launches the Chandigarh International Arbitration Centre (CIAC). The event marks CJI’s first major interaction with the Bar after elevation in November last — a symbolic homecoming to the high court, where he once served as a judge.
The launch coincides with the first edition of India International Disputes Week 2026 (IIDW), scheduled from March 7 to 11. Organised by the Punjab and Haryana High Court, the event is expected to witness participation of more than 50 international speakers from USA, UK, Singapore, Canada, France and other countries. Conceived as a global, non-profit platform, the IIDW will bring together judges, arbitral institutions, senior counsel, policymakers and academics to deliberate on arbitration, litigation reform and emerging dispute-resolution technologies.
CJI Surya Kant’s programme includes a seminar at the HC, where he will address the Bar, followed by the inauguration of the HC library. The CJI will also flag off Women’s Day walkathon and plantation drive on March 8 from the Sukhna Lake (police post) to the Open Hand Monument.
Established under the supervision of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, the CIAC is a specialised, high-level body conceived as a structured alternative to “ad hoc” arbitration. It offers professionally administered, time-bound arbitration — domestic and international — under a defined rule-based framework.
Addressing the broader significance of institutional dispute resolution, CJI Surya Kant said: “The true strength of a justice system lies not only in adjudication, but in its ability to facilitate fair, timely and effective resolution of disputes. Initiatives such as IIDW, being held in Chandigarh in 2026, encourage dialogue, capacity-building and institutional strengthening.”
Chief Justice Sheel Nagu is CIAC’s patron, while the organising committee includes Justice Ashwani Kumar Mishra, Justice Suvir Sehgal, Justice Jasgurpreet Singh Puri, Justice Vinod S Bhardwaj and Justice Tribhuvan Dahiya.
Cases will be administered under the CIAC rules and in conformity with the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996. The Centre will monitor timelines, appoint arbitrators where required, fix schedules, provide hearing infrastructure and enforce procedural discipline.
The CIAC will administer a broad spectrum of matters, including corporate and commercial disputes, trade and investment claims, construction and engineering contracts, maritime issues, insurance, intellectual property, technology, banking and finance disputes. As an independent and neutral institution, it will not represent parties or render legal advice.
The CIAC framework provides for administration of domestic and international arbitrations, appointment and facilitation of arbitrators, a curated and periodically reviewed panel, structured case management, emergency arbitration for urgent interim relief and online dispute resolution mechanisms.
