KIIT Centre for International Arbitration and Mediation to Position India as Global Hub: SC Judge

By Subrat Sarangi

New Delhi/Bhubaneswar, Sept 28: The Curtain Raiser and Vision Launch of the KIIT Centre for International Arbitration and Mediation (KCIAM) was held on Saturday, drawing distinguished judges, jurists, and legal experts who hailed the initiative as a landmark step in strengthening India’s arbitration ecosystem.

Justice Sandeep Mehta of the Supreme Court described KCIAM as a “timely and visionary” move with the potential to transform dispute resolution in India. “KCIAM will not only serve this region but also contribute to the larger vision of India as a global hub for arbitration and mediation,” he said. The event also marked the launch of KCIAM’s website in the presence of KIIT and KISS Founder Dr. Achyuta Samanta.

Justice Abdulqawi A. Yusuf of the International Court of Justice recalled India’s historic tradition of arbitration and mediation, noting that the new centre could stand alongside global benchmarks such as Singapore and Hong Kong if it upheld high standards of fairness and professionalism.

Justice Sandeep Kumar of the Patna High Court said Bhubaneswar was an apt location for such an institution, given its rise as a technology hub. He highlighted that mediation alone had resolved over 58,000 cases in recent years, adding that with KCIAM, parties need not depend solely on Delhi or Mumbai for arbitration.

Supporting this view, Justices Rajesh Kumar, Anand Sen, and Sujit Narayan Prasad of the Jharkhand High Court stressed the importance of building awareness, training professional mediators, and making arbitration mainstream. They expressed confidence that KCIAM would soon rank among the world’s best centres.

Senior advocate and former Additional Solicitor General Dr. Pinky Anand said the centre reflects India’s aspirations as a fast-growing economy and strengthens its judicial infrastructure. Prof. N. L. Mitra, Professor Emeritus at KIIT School of Law, added that KCIAM would maintain a strong panel of arbitrators and lawyers to meet global standards.

Welcoming the gathering, KCIAM Chairman and Supreme Court senior advocate Ashok Parija said the centre would advance Odisha’s economic growth while ensuring accessible justice. KIIT Vice Chancellor Prof. Saranjit Singh proposed the vote of thanks.