The Indian Arbitration Forum (IAF) has made an appeal to the Arbitral Tribunals in the country to consider restricting the conduct of proceedings for the next eight weeks to guard against the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19)..In their appeal, the IAF has asked all the Arbitral Tribunals to consider requests to adjourn any oral arguments to be conducted in the next eight weeks, in order to minimize the risk of viral transmission. .The forum adds, "In case the hearing is urgent, it is suggested that the same may be conducted via video conferencing so that there is no risk to the health of the parties, counsels or Ld. Arbitrators.".In any case, it has been pointed out that international arbitrations seated in India would be cancelled on account of the Advisory issued by the Government of India to suspend international visas until April 15..The forum has also appealed to the Supreme Court as well as the High Courts across the country to take a lenient view while dealing with applications under Section 29A of the Arbitration Act, 1996 for extending the time for delivering the Arbitral Award, wherever necessary. .[Read the Appeal here]
The Indian Arbitration Forum (IAF) has made an appeal to the Arbitral Tribunals in the country to consider restricting the conduct of proceedings for the next eight weeks to guard against the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19)..In their appeal, the IAF has asked all the Arbitral Tribunals to consider requests to adjourn any oral arguments to be conducted in the next eight weeks, in order to minimize the risk of viral transmission. .The forum adds, "In case the hearing is urgent, it is suggested that the same may be conducted via video conferencing so that there is no risk to the health of the parties, counsels or Ld. Arbitrators.".In any case, it has been pointed out that international arbitrations seated in India would be cancelled on account of the Advisory issued by the Government of India to suspend international visas until April 15..The forum has also appealed to the Supreme Court as well as the High Courts across the country to take a lenient view while dealing with applications under Section 29A of the Arbitration Act, 1996 for extending the time for delivering the Arbitral Award, wherever necessary. .[Read the Appeal here]