Conferences

International Conference on ‘International Commercial Arbitration in Asia’: November 15, 2014: Organised in Association with Asia Pacific Jurist Association and Indian Corporate Counsel Association

ABOUT CONFERENCE

We are delighted to inform you that Symbiosis Law School, NOIDA is invited and honoured to be the ‘Exclusive Academic Partner’ in organisation of the ‘International Commercial Arbitration in Asia’ organised by Asia Pacific Jurists Association (APJA) in association with Indian Corporate Counsel Association (ICCA) on November 15, 2014 at The Claridges, Aurangzeb Road, New Delhi from 09:00am – 05:30pm (followed by Delegate Reception).

Asia Pacific Jurist Association (APJA) is a renowned Not for Profit organization based in Delhi, India, with local chapters in Chandigarh, Kerala and Rajasthan. It consists of eminent judges of the High Courts, Supreme Court of India, Senior Counsels, Arbitrators and eminent jurists on its board and often organizes conferences on social and legal issues and tirelessly works for the welfare of society.

Indian Corporate Counsel Association (ICCA) is a platform of all legal professionals from the various sectors and includes In-house Counsels / Corporate Law Officers and Law Officers of Private Sector and State / Central PSUs. ICCA, being the organization of general counsels/ in house counsels is generally involved in organizing various events to put the industry prospective forward.

Other remarkable associations of the International Conference include:A. K.Singh & Co.| Advocates, Solicitors & Consultantsas ‘Knowledge Partner’,‘Witness – India’s First Magazine on Legal and Corporate Affairs as‘ Exclusive Magazine Partner’.

Supporting partners of the International Conference include: Law Society of England and Wales; Singapore International Arbitration Centre (SIAC); International Court of Arbitration (ICC); Singapore Corporate Counsel Association (SCCA); Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre (HKIAC); London Court of International Arbitration (LCIA) India; Indian International and Domestic Arbitration Centre (IIDAC) and Kuala Lumpur Regional Centre for Arbitration (KLRCA).

THE OFFICIAL BANNER
OBJECTIVES OF THE CONFERENCE

The Conference strives to provide meaningful coverage on current trends in the field of International Arbitration in dynamic economies of Asia. We are bringing together representatives from the Legislature, Legal Practitioners and In-house Counsels from different parts of Asia to highlight Asia’s potential to grow as an Arbitration friendly region.

The Conference aims to provide a platform for delegates to address issues relating to different aspects of Arbitration Law & Practice in Asia and exchange experience, ideas on the same.

WHO CAN ATTEND THE CONFERENCE
  • Senior Advocates, Senior Counsels, Lawyers, Law Firms from various jurisdictions
  • Corporates
  • In House Counsels/General Counsels
  • Members of the sponsoring organisation
  • Young Professionals/Practitioners
SCHEDULE & TOPICS (TENTATIVE)

Date and Venue: November 15, 2014 - The Claridges, Aurangzeb Road, New Delhi

Registration & Inaugural Ceremony

09:00am – 09:30am    Registration, High Tea

09:30am – 09:35am    Welcome Address – Hon’ble Justice Mr. Anil Kumar, Chairperson, Appellate Tribunal for Prevention of Money Laundering & Chairperson, Appellate Tribunal for Forfeited Properties

09:35am – 09:45am    Introductory Address – Hon’ble Justice Mr. Vijender Jain, Chairperson, Human Rights Commission of Haryana and Uttarakhand

09:45am – 10:00am    Inauguration and Keynote Address - Hon’ble Justice Mr. A K Sikri, Judge, Supreme Court of India

10:00am -10:20am      Address by Chief Guest – Hon’ble Shri. Ravi Shankar Prasad, Minister of law & Justice, Government of India


Session II – Panel Discussion – Indian Courts, from No-Arbitration to Pro-Arbitration

Time: 12:15pm – 01:30pm

Based on the UNCITRAL Model Law on International Commercial Arbitration, 1985, the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996 was enacted with the objective of encouraging arbitration as a cost-effective and quick mechanism for dispute settlement. However, the 1996 Act’s objectives were not effectively fulfilled due to various factors. But recent developments have resulted in a revival, making India a pro-arbitration destination. This can be attributed to the efforts to promote arbitration in India, by executives, legislatures and the judiciary. The Session will aim to discuss the change in trend of the legislature and judiciary towards arbitration in India.

Chair: Hon’ble Justice Mr. G. S. Sistani, High Court of Delhi

Co-Chair: Hon’ble Justice Mr. R. K. Jain, High Court of Punjab & Haryana

Moderator: Mr. Sachin Dutta, Senior Advocate

Speakers:

  • Hon’ble Justice Mr. Vijender Jain, Chairperson, Human Rights Commission of Haryana and Uttarakhand
  • Mr. Gaurab Banerji, Senior Advocate, Supreme Court of India
  • Mr. Abraham Vergis, Managing Director, Province Law Asia, Singapore
  • Mr. Pushkar Sood, Advocate

Rapporteur: Ms. Swati Sharma, Fifth Year Learner, Symbiosis Law School, NOIDA

Lunch: 01:30pm – 02:30pm


Session III – Panel Discussion – International Arbitration in Asia: Safe bet?

Time: 02:30pm – 03:45pm

As cross-border transactions within Asia Pacific intensify, and trade between East and West heightens, the consequential wave of disputes is becoming increasingly evident. Major cities within the region are eagerly flaunting their arbitration credentials. Which is a safer seat, is the question. The panelists will discuss the factors to be considered before choosing a seat, growth of arbitral centers in Asia, infrastructure and legal framework in various jurisdictions.

Chair: Hon’ble Justice Ms. Hima Kohli, High Court of Delhi

Co-Chair: Hon’ble Justice Mr. Ajay Tiwari, High Court of Punjab & Haryana

Moderator: Mr. A K Singh, Managing Partner, A.K. Singh & Co.

Speakers:

  • Mr. Abhinav Bhushan, Deputy Counsel, International Court of Arbitration, International Chambers of Commerce, Paris
  • Mr. Joe Liu, Assistant Managing Counsel, Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre
  • Ms. Scheherazade Dubash, Deputy Head (South Asia), Singapore International Arbitration Centre
  • Mr. Ajay Thomas, Director and Registrar, London Court of International Arbitration Centre

Rapporteur: Mr. Aman Verma and Mr. Nishant Tanwar, Fourth Year Learner, Symbiosis Law School, NOIDA


Session IV – Panel Discussion – Is Arbitration still a preferred mode of resolving disputes: Industry Perspective

Time: 04:00pm – 05:15pm

Do major corporations, across different industry sectors, continue to affirm the benefits of arbitration to resolve their disputes? Do cost issues and delays in proceedings persist and are the in-house counsels still focused on getting value from the arbitration process? The panel discussion would aim at addressing such issues and allow the Corporate Counsels/General Counsels/CMDs of various organisations to share their views and experiences on International Arbitration/Arbitration.

Chair: Hon’ble Justice Mr. V. P. Vaish, High Court of Delhi

Co-Chair: Dr. Govind CEO, National Internet Exchange of India

Moderator: Mr. Pulin Kumar, Legal Head, Adidas

Speakers:

  • Mr. Ashok Sharma, Director, Ciarb, India
  • Mr. J K Bodha, Group Manager (Law), Oil & Natural Gas Corporation Ltd. (ONGC)
  • Mrs. Rohini Roy, Head International Transactions, BHEL
  • Mr. S B Mitra, General Manager (Law), Gas Authority of India Ltd.
  • Mr. Deepak Dhawan, Executive Director (Law), Indian Oil Corporation

Rapporteur: Mr. Abhishek Mathur, First Year Learner, Symbiosis Law School, NOIDA

Closing Remarks: Hon’ble Justice Mr. Anil Kumar, Chairperson, Appellate Tribunal for Prevention of Money Laundering & Chairperson, Appellate Tribunal for Forfeited Properties

Vote of Thanks:

Dr. C J Rawandale, Director, Symbiosis Law School, NOIDA & Mr. Pushkar Sood, Advocate

Followed by Delegate Reception

REGISTRATION
Contact Person for Registration and Further Information
Prof. Pushpp Lamba, Head, Training & Placement, Symbiosis Law School, NOIDA
Email: pushpp@symlaw.edu.in
Mr. Arush Pathania, Partner, A. K. Singh & Co. - +91 (0) 9971009966
Email – events@aksinghco.com