CJI Surya Kant proposes arbitrator register and preventive justice

Chief Justice of India Surya Kant has proposed the creation of a common cross-institutional register for arbitrators to increase transparency and accountability. Speaking at India ADR Week 2026, the CJI suggested that the register should include details regarding an arbitrator’s conflicts, existing caseload, areas of expertise, and the average time taken to deliver awards. He emphasized that selection should be based on publicly available track records rather than reputation within closed legal circles.

Additionally, the CJI advocated for a shift toward preventive justice within the infrastructure ecosystem. Addressing the FIDIC Global Infrastructure Conference, he argued that contractual and institutional frameworks should be designed to address disagreements before they escalate into formal disputes. He noted that the rule of law involves ensuring clear expectations and timely resolution mechanisms, stating that the most effective dispute resolution systems are those that are rarely needed because projects are managed with clear risk allocation and communication.