Society of Indian Law Firms (SILF) President Dr Lalit Bhasin on Tuesday said that litigation in India had “completely broken down” and that the legal fraternity must now focus on data-driven settlements as the preferred mode of dispute resolution.
“We are aiming to find solutions to the dispute. Litigation has failed completely, broken down. The system has broken down, with cases now coming to over six crore. Arbitration has yet to take off because we don’t have good institutions. The solution eventually lies in data-driven settlement of disputes,” he said.
Bhasin was speaking at the inauguration of the new SILF Office and Dispute Resolution Centre. Located on Deen Dayal Upadhyay Marg, opposite the Rouse Avenue Courts Complex, the Centre houses modern conference and video-conferencing facilities and will serve as SILF’s new headquarters.
He acknowledged the support of member firms and philanthropists, particularly Bina Modi, whose contribution, he said, made this possible and carried forward the vision of her late husband KK Modi.
“This Centre symbolises professional social responsibility. We are self-reliant, but we have a duty to give back to society,” Dr Bhasin said.
The event was attended by Bina Modi, Chairperson of Modi Enterprises and other prominent managing partners including Ravi Nath, Raian Karanjawala, Varun Bajaj, Jyoti Sagar and Darshananand Gaur.
The ceremony also observed a minute of silence to pay tribute to the late Senior Advocate Arun Jaitley, who had laid the foundation stone of the SILF in January 2003. In addition to this, Jaitley also allocated the land for the building.
Dr Bhasin said that the new Centre symbolised SILF’s commitment to both legal excellence and social responsibility, and would also serve as a pro bono platform for amicable dispute settlement, reflecting the “true spirit of Samjhauta.”
“This Centre represents a step forward in our commitment to making justice more accessible, efficient and collaborative...Beyond dispute resolution, SILF aims to contribute meaningfully to the nation’s legislative and policy framework by supporting the government in rationalising laws, assisting in legal drafting and fostering investment-friendly reforms."
Dr Bhasin said that SILF, now marking 25 years, had evolved into a national think-tank recognised by the Union and State governments for its contributions to law reform, policy drafting and rationalisation of outdated laws.
He concluded that the new Centre would serve as a hub for research, learning and pro-bono dispute resolution, representing “the collective vision and responsibility of India’s law firm community.”
Attorney General for India R Venkataramani, who inaugurated the Centre, praised SILF for strengthening India’s law firm ecosystem and for fostering collaboration among practitioners.
“Whenever I travel abroad, I speak of SILF as one of the outstanding accomplishments of India’s legal fraternity...The brightest minds have come together on a common journey, laying new foundations and visions for the profession," he noted.
He added,
"Over the years, law firms and law schools together have reshaped the landscape of legal education and practice in our country. I have always believed that the growth of law firms has been integral to strengthening both the profession and the pursuit of justice. SILF’s efforts in creating a platform that brings together some of the brightest legal minds to advance ethics, innovation, and access to justice deserve our highest commendation.”
V Lakshmikumaran, Founder and Managing Partner of Lakshmikumaran and Sridharan, reflected on the importance of selfless service and the value of sharing knowledge within the legal community. He said,
"There is a joy in giving and sharing — not only your wealth, but your knowledge, experience and time. When you give, you give without expectations, including monetary ones.”
In her address, Dr Bina Modi said,
“SILF’s new building is not just an architectural milestone — it represents progress, purpose and the pursuit of knowledge. The new SILF Dispute Resolution Centre that will be housed here stands as a symbol of our collective commitment to strengthening the foundations of India’s legal fraternity through learning, research, and innovation. My late husband, Shri KK Modi, believed that knowledge is the greatest legacy one can leave behind. I am proud that the KK Modi Group’s dedication to education and growth aligns with SILF’s vision to make justice more accessible, collaborative, and future ready.”