Online Dispute Resolution

Fast, Binding & Fully Online Arbitration

Resolve your commercial and contractual disputes through structured online arbitration led by expert arbitrators. Legally binding award. Enforceable in court. No courtroom delays.

A&C Act, 1996 Compliant
Binding & Enforceable Award
Confidential Process
Expert Arbitrators
Binding Award

Arbitrator Decides

Enforceable like a court decree
✓ A&C Act, 1996
Timeline

Faster Than Court

Structured online proceedings
⚡ Defined Timelines
Expert Panel

Verified Arbitrators

Sector-specific expertise
🔒 Confidential Hearings
Our Process

How we work — 6 structured steps

From filing the Notice of Arbitration to issuing a binding award — every stage is tracked, structured and guided.

1

File Notice of Arbitration

Submit Notice invoking arbitration (Sec 21 A&C Act); case ID created; respondent served through verified channel.

1
2

Arbitrator Appointment

Curated panel by sector and expertise; conflict checks; availability confirmed; appointment formalised per rules.

2
3

Statement of Claim & Defence

Claimant files Statement of Claim; respondent files Statement of Defence; counter-claims where applicable.

3
4

Document Exchange & Hearing

Secure document shuttle; virtual hearing rooms with real-time transcription; witness examination conducted online.

4
5

Final Arguments & Award

Written submissions; arbitrator deliberates and drafts award within prescribed timeline; costs and interest determined.

5
6

Award & Enforcement

Signed award delivered; registered copy available; guidance on enforcement and challenge routes (Sec 34/36).

6
File a Case

Register your arbitration case — online, in minutes

Complete the 4-step intake form. Your Notice of Arbitration brief is generated automatically and can be downloaded as PDF or Word — ready to submit to NoLegalPaisa.

1Clause Check
2Party Details
3Claim Details
4Preferences

Does your contract have an arbitration clause?

Check your agreement for a "Dispute Resolution" or "Arbitration" section. This determines the correct filing pathway.

Step 1 of 4

Who are the parties?

Enter full legal names and contact details exactly as they appear on contracts or official documents. Accuracy is critical for the Notice of Arbitration.

👤 Claimant (You / Your Organisation)

🏢 Respondent (Other Party)

Step 2 of 4

Tell us about the dispute & your claim

A clear and factual claim brief helps the arbitrator prepare and strengthens your position from the outset.

Step 3 of 4

Preferences & Final Notes

Help us appoint the right arbitrator and configure your proceedings correctly from day one.

Step 4 of 4
🎉

Your Arbitration Case Brief is Ready!

Download your case brief as PDF or Word below. Submit it to NoLegalPaisa to begin the arbitration process, or book a consultation to walk through it with our team.

📬 Next Steps:
1. Download your case brief above
2. Email to info@nolegalpaisa.com — Subject: "Arbitration Case Filing"
3. Our team will send you the Registration Form and fee details
4. Once registered, your case ID and arbitrator appointment begin

📅 Book a Consultation

Live Case Summary

Updates as you fill each field

Clause Status
Arbitration ClauseNot selected
Claimant
Name
Email
Phone
Respondent
Name
Relationship
Dispute
Category
Claim Value
Active Case
Urgent Relief
Preferences
Seat
Arbitrators
Readiness Score0%
Clause / agreement confirmed
Party details entered
Claim type & amount set
Statement of claim provided
Filing Pathway

Start from your contract reality

Whether you have an arbitration clause or need to build consent — there is a clear and legally sound path for you.

✅ You have an arbitration clause

A1
Upload Clause & Contract

Seat/venue, governing law, scope, timeline and number of arbitrators verified; case room created.

A2
File Notice of Arbitration

Formal Notice invoking clause (Sec 21); served on respondent via verified channel; commencement date logged.

A3
Respondent & Appointment

Respondent acknowledges/files Response; arbitrator appointed from panel per clause mechanism.

🔄 No clause / need arbitration agreement

B1
Dispute Intake & Assessment

Arbitrability screen; claim value and urgency mapped; recommended tribunal structure assessed.

B2
Arbitration Agreement

Short agreement to arbitrate naming NoLegalPaisa Rules, seat, number of arbitrators; e-sign route prepared.

B3
Both Parties Sign & Proceed

Both parties execute agreement via secure e-sign; audit trail logged; case room activated for filings.

↓ Shared Online Arbitration Proceedings

👨‍⚖️
Arbitrator Appointed

Panel, disclosures, confirmation

📄
Pleadings Filed

Claim, defence, counter-claim

📁
Document Exchange

Secure exhibit shuttle, notes

🎙️
Hearing Conducted

Virtual rooms, transcription

⚖️
Binding Award Issued

Signed, enforceable, registered

Why Choose Us

Arbitration that is rigorous yet accessible

Six principles behind how NoLegalPaisa runs every arbitration matter.

⚖️

Binding by Law

The arbitral award has the same force as a court decree. Enforceable under Section 36 of the A&C Act, 1996 with minimal grounds to challenge.

👨‍⚖️

Expert Arbitrators

Curated panel by sector — commercial, real estate, employment, finance, IP — with full conflict-of-interest disclosures and availability confirmation.

🔒

Confidential Proceedings

Private hearings, controlled access, secure document handling. No public record of proceedings unlike court litigation.

💻

Digital-First Process

Virtual hearing rooms, real-time transcription, e-filing, secure document exchange and audit trails. Everything tracked and accessible.

📋

Defined Timelines

Unlike litigation, arbitration timelines are set at the outset. Hearings are scheduled and the award is issued within a defined window.

🚀

MSME & Business Ready

Predictable fees, transparent process and plain-English guidance. Purpose-built for businesses that cannot afford the cost or time of court.

Watch & Learn

See how online arbitration works

Watch our introductory video to understand the full arbitration process — from filing Notice to receiving a binding award, explained simply.

Watch: Online Arbitration on NoLegalPaisa

~5 minutes · Binding Award · A&C Act, 1996 Compliant
⏱️
5-Minute Overview

Full process explained simply

🎯
End-to-End Walkthrough

Notice to award, every step

👨‍⚖️
Expert Arbitrators

See how our panel is matched to your matter

📜
Legally Enforceable

Award enforceable under A&C Act, 1996

Easy Guide

Easy Guide to Online Arbitration (India)

From what arbitration is, to which disputes qualify, to how it compares with litigation and mediation — everything you need to know.

What is Online Arbitration?

Arbitration is a private, binding dispute resolution process where the parties agree to submit their dispute to one or more neutral arbitrators whose decision — the arbitral award — is final and enforceable like a court decree.

Online arbitration (ODR) conducts the entire process digitally — filing, document exchange, hearings and award delivery — without requiring parties to travel to a physical venue. It is particularly well-suited for commercial disputes across India where parties are in different cities or states.

Governing Law

Indian arbitration is governed by the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996 (as amended in 2015, 2019 and 2021). Key provisions include Section 7 (arbitration agreement), Section 11 (appointment), Section 17 (interim measures), Section 29A (timeline for award), Section 34 (challenge), and Section 36 (enforcement).

Who can use arbitration?

  • Businesses and MSMEs with commercial contract disputes
  • Parties with an existing arbitration clause in their agreement
  • Parties who agree to arbitrate after a dispute has arisen
  • NBFCs, lenders and borrowers in loan recovery matters
  • Real estate developers and buyers, employer–employee disputes
Key principle: The arbitral award is binding on both parties. It can only be challenged on very narrow grounds under Section 34 (procedural irregularity, public policy, etc.).

Cases & Clause Types

Disputes Suitable for Arbitration

  • Commercial contract disputes — payment defaults, breach, service failures
  • Real estate — builder–buyer, developer–contractor, joint development agreements
  • NBFC and loan recovery — structured arbitration for high-volume debt recovery
  • Employment — senior executive and C-suite disputes, severance and IP disputes
  • Partnership and shareholder disputes — exit, valuation, drag/tag rights
  • Franchise and distribution agreement disputes
  • Technology and IP licensing disputes
  • Import–export, logistics and cross-border commercial disputes
  • Insurance disputes where arbitration is contractually required

Types of Arbitration Clauses

  • Pre-dispute clause: Built into the original contract; triggers automatically on dispute
  • Post-dispute agreement: Parties agree to arbitrate after the dispute has arisen
  • Institutional clause: Names an institution (e.g. NoLegalPaisa Rules) and delegates procedural management
  • Ad-hoc clause: No institution named; parties manage procedure themselves
Note: Certain disputes cannot be arbitrated — criminal matters, matrimonial disputes, insolvency/winding-up proceedings, and cases involving rights in rem generally fall outside the scope of arbitration.

Filing & Procedure

Notice of Arbitration (Section 21)

Arbitration commences when the Notice of Arbitration is received by the respondent (Section 21, A&C Act). This notice must include: parties' details, reference to the arbitration agreement, nature of dispute, relief sought, and proposed arbitrator (if applicable).

Pleadings

  • Statement of Claim: Facts, legal basis, documents and relief sought by claimant
  • Statement of Defence: Respondent's response, counter-claims and evidence
  • Reply: Claimant responds to counter-claim; further submissions as directed

Hearings

  • Procedural hearing: Sets timeline, identifies issues, document list agreed
  • Evidence hearing: Witness examination, cross-examination, expert evidence
  • Final arguments: Written and/or oral submissions on facts and law

Timeline

Section 29A requires the award to be made within 12 months of completion of pleadings (extendable to 18 months by consent). Institutional rules often set tighter internal timelines for each stage.

The Award & Enforcement

What is an Arbitral Award?

The arbitral award is the final binding decision of the arbitrator(s). It must be in writing, signed, and give reasons for the decision. It may grant monetary relief, specific performance, declarations, costs and interest.

Enforcement (Section 36)

A domestic arbitral award, after the challenge period (3 months from receipt) has expired without a challenge being filed, is enforceable as if it were a decree of the court. Application is made to the relevant court under Section 36.

Challenging an Award (Section 34)

An award can be set aside only on very narrow grounds:

  • Party under incapacity or invalid arbitration agreement
  • Improper notice of proceedings or unable to present case
  • Award deals with matters outside scope of submission
  • Arbitral tribunal improperly constituted
  • Subject matter not capable of settlement by arbitration under Indian law
  • Award conflicts with public policy of India

Interim Relief (Section 9 & 17)

Courts (Section 9) or the tribunal itself (Section 17) can grant interim measures including injunctions, asset preservation, appointment of receiver or any other interim measure.

The very narrow grounds for challenge make an arbitral award significantly more final and certain than a trial court judgment, which is subject to multiple levels of appeal.

Arbitration vs Litigation vs Mediation

Criterion Litigation Mediation Arbitration
Who Decides Judge (court) Parties decide together Arbitrator(s) decide
Outcome Binding court decree Voluntary settlement (MSA) Binding arbitral award
Speed Slowest; multi-year Fastest; weeks to months Faster than court; months
Cost Highest Lowest Medium; lower than court
Confidentiality Public record Fully confidential Private proceedings
Party Control None High Medium (choose arbitrator & rules)
Appeal / Challenge Broad appellate rights Consensual; very narrow grounds Very limited (Sec 34 grounds only)
Enforceability Court decree (Sec 38 CPC) MSA = decree (Med. Act 2023) Award = decree (Sec 36 A&C Act)
Arbitration vs Court
Arbitration is the right choice when you need a binding, enforceable decision and confidential proceedings — and cannot wait years for a court judgment.
FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

How is NoLegalPaisa arbitration different from court litigation?+

Arbitration is private, faster, and governed by mutual agreement rather than court procedures. The arbitral award is binding and enforceable like a court decree under the A&C Act, 1996 — but without public hearings, lengthy delays or multiple rounds of appeal.

What types of disputes can be arbitrated?+

Commercial and contractual disputes — payment defaults, contract breaches, employment, real estate, NBFC recovery, IP licensing, shareholder disputes and cross-border matters. Criminal matters and matrimonial proceedings cannot be arbitrated.

Is the arbitral award legally binding?+

Yes. The award is binding on both parties and enforceable as a court decree under Section 36 of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996. It can only be challenged on very narrow grounds under Section 34.

How long does online arbitration take?+

Section 29A requires the award within 12 months of completion of pleadings (extendable to 18 months by consent). In practice, well-managed online arbitration is typically resolved much faster than court proceedings.

Who are the arbitrators on NoLegalPaisa?+

Experienced legal and sector professionals with arbitration expertise. Panel members are curated by industry — commercial, real estate, finance, employment, IP — and undergo conflict-of-interest checks before every appointment.

Do I need an arbitration clause in my contract?+

A valid arbitration clause or a separate arbitration agreement signed by both parties is required. If your existing contract does not have one, both parties can agree to arbitrate after the dispute has arisen by signing a submission agreement.

What are the fees for arbitration?+

Fees depend on the claim value, number of arbitrators, and complexity of the matter. NoLegalPaisa provides a transparent fee schedule. Book a consultation for a tailored fee estimate for your specific dispute.

Can I get urgent interim relief during arbitration?+

Yes. Under Section 9, you can approach the court for interim measures before or during arbitration. Once the tribunal is constituted, it can also grant interim measures under Section 17. Both avenues remain available throughout the proceedings.

Is the arbitration process confidential?+

Yes. Unlike court proceedings, arbitration is private. There is no public record of hearings or the award unless a party seeks enforcement through court. All documents and communications are handled through secure digital channels.

File a Case

Get a binding decision — online, efficiently

Fast · Confidential · Legally enforceable · Governed by the A&C Act, 1996. No courtroom, no delays.

Binding award · Section 36 enforceable · Confidential proceedings · A&C Act, 1996