LCIA, Arbitral Women, ACC Karnataka: To Host 'Ethics & Evidence' Arbitration Event

• The London Court of International Arbitration, Arbitral Women, and ACC Bengaluru are co-hosting an event on 'Ethics & Evidence in Arbitration'.
• The event is scheduled for October 31st, 2026, at the Karnataka Judicial Academy, running from 9:00 A.M. to 12:50 P.M.
• High-ranking judges from the High Court of Karnataka, including Chief Justice Vibhu Bakhru, will participate in the program.
• The agenda includes a fireside chat on the Indian arbitration landscape and two dedicated sessions on ethics and evidence.
• Prominent senior advocates, partners from leading law firms, and experienced arbitrators are slated to speak at the event.

The involvement of high-ranking judicial figures from the High Court of Karnataka, such as Justice D. K. Singh, Justice Vibhu Bakhru, Justice Anu Sivaraman, and Justice Nerale Veerabhadraiah Bhavani, lends significant weight and authority to the discussions, signaling the judiciary's active engagement in promoting best practices in alternative dispute resolution.

The London Court of International Arbitration (LCIA), in collaboration with Arbitral Women and the Arbitration and Conciliation Centre, Bengaluru (ACC Bengaluru), is set to host a significant event titled 'Ethics & Evidence in Arbitration'. This upcoming gathering is scheduled for October 31st, 2026, and will take place at the Karnataka Judicial Academy. The program is slated to run from 9:00 A.M. to 12:50 P.M., offering a comprehensive morning session dedicated to critical aspects of arbitration practice.

The proceedings will commence with an inaugural address delivered by Justice D. K. Singh, who serves as a Judge of the High Court of Karnataka and also holds the position of President for the Arbitration & Conciliation Centre, Bengaluru. Following the opening remarks, a "Fireside Chat" will delve into the "Hits and Misses of Indian Arbitration Landscape." This discussion will feature prominent legal figures, including Justice Vibhu Bakhru, the Chief Justice of the High Court of Karnataka and Patron-in-Chief of the Arbitration & Conciliation Centre, alongside Shashank Garg, a Senior Advocate and a Court Member of the LCIA.

The event's agenda further includes two distinct sessions designed to explore specific facets of arbitration. The first session, focusing on "Ethics in Arbitration: Lawyers’ and Arbitrators’ Ethics," will be chaired by Justice Anu Sivaraman, a Judge of the High Court of Karnataka. Expert speakers for this segment include Senior Advocate Aditya Sondhi, Lomesh Kiran Nidumuri, who is a Partner and Head of Disputes for South India at Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas, and Manini Brar, Founder of Arbridge Chambers & Solicitors and a Board Member of Arbitral Women.

The second session is titled "A Toolkit for Evidence in Arbitration: Expert and Fact Witnesses." This segment will be presided over by Justice Nerale Veerabhadraiah Bhavani, also a Judge of the High Court of Karnataka. The panel of speakers for this discussion comprises Senior Advocate Dhyan Chinappa, Poornima Hatti, who is a Counsel and Arbitrator at Chambers of Poornima Hatti, and Hima Lawrence, Co-Founder of VH Law Chambers. The event will conclude with closing remarks provided by Shruti Khanijow, a Partner at Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas.

The choice of 'Ethics & Evidence in Arbitration' as the central theme for this collaborative event underscores the increasing emphasis on integrity and robust procedural standards within the arbitration community. Ethical conduct for both lawyers and arbitrators is paramount to maintaining the credibility and fairness of arbitral proceedings, ensuring that disputes are resolved impartially and efficiently. The discussion on "Hits and Misses of Indian Arbitration Landscape" further highlights a commitment to critically evaluate and improve the domestic arbitration framework, reflecting ongoing efforts to align Indian practices with international best standards.

The detailed sessions on ethical considerations for legal professionals and arbitrators, as well as the practical toolkit for handling expert and fact witnesses, address core challenges in contemporary arbitration. These topics are crucial for practitioners navigating complex legal frameworks and diverse evidentiary standards. The involvement of high-ranking judicial figures from the High Court of Karnataka, such as Justice D. K. Singh, Justice Vibhu Bakhru, Justice Anu Sivaraman, and Justice Nerale Veerabhadraiah Bhavani, lends significant weight and authority to the discussions, signaling the judiciary's active engagement in promoting best practices in alternative dispute resolution.

This joint initiative by the LCIA, Arbitral Women, and ACC Bengaluru holds substantial importance for the advancement of arbitration in India, particularly within the Karnataka region. The collaboration brings together international expertise from the LCIA, a global leader in dispute resolution, with the regional focus of ACC Bengaluru and the specialized insights of Arbitral Women, an organization dedicated to promoting women in arbitration. Such partnerships are vital for fostering a dynamic and inclusive arbitration ecosystem.

The event's focus on practical aspects like evidence management and ethical guidelines directly impacts the quality and reliability of arbitration outcomes. By convening a diverse group of senior advocates, partners from leading law firms, and experienced arbitrators alongside judicial members, the program facilitates a rich exchange of ideas and best practices. This collective effort is instrumental in enhancing the skills of arbitration practitioners, promoting adherence to high ethical standards, and ultimately strengthening India's position as a preferred seat for international and domestic arbitrations.

Source: Original reporting via source announcement