New Delhi, Apr 11 (PTI) Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal on Saturday highlighted the government’s focus on strengthening institutional arbitration, decriminalising minor offences, and modernising legacy laws to align with constitutional values and ease of doing business.
Addressing the valedictory session on the concluding day of the International Conference on “Arbitration in the Era of Globalisation” organised by the Indian Council of Arbitration (ICA) here, the minister stressed the growing importance of structured dispute resolution systems in a rapidly evolving global economy.
Emphasising a shift in approach, Meghwal said, “Instead of ad-hoc arbitration, there should be institutional arbitration. We agree with this approach, and when we agree, you can be assured that the government will work decisively in this direction, strengthening dispute resolution mechanisms and building greater trust in the system.” He noted that reforms relating to arbitration frameworks, including provisions concerning the appointment of arbitrators and commercial law processes, are under active consideration, with committees already examining key aspects.
Highlighting the government’s reform agenda, the minister said that nearly “1000 offences have been decriminalised,” describing it as a major step towards improving regulatory efficiency, a statement by the organisers said.
“Nearly 1000 offences have been decriminalised. There were situations where a fine of Rs 100 rupees required a process costing Rs 10,000. Such provisions needed rationalisation, and our effort is to make laws practical, efficient, and supportive of ease of doing business,” he said.
Meghwal also referred to efforts to remove outdated and discriminatory provisions from colonial-era laws, including changes to the Indian Succession Act, 1925. “Some provisions in older laws were discriminatory and did not reflect the principle of equality. Our Constitution stands on equality, liberty, fraternity, and justice, and it is our responsibility to ensure that every law aligns with these foundational values,” he said.
The minister also drew attention to broader systemic reforms, including significant changes in the criminal justice framework, and underlined their importance alongside civil and commercial law reforms. PTI NAB — MNK MNK
This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.