Justice Ravindra Bhat Warns Arbitration Could Slow the Growth of Law

Former Supreme Court Justice S. Ravindra Bhat cautioned that sending all disputes to arbitration could eventually slow the development of law. Speaking at Dubai Arbitration Week 2026, he noted that Indian courts have increasingly limited their interference with arbitral awards. He said legal principles have evolved through judicial inquiry and questioned how new concepts would develop if courts had a narrower role. Bhat said he was not advocating a radical change. He called for reflection on how courts should respond to technological advances and emerging questions about damages and other legal doctrines. The discussion took place at a panel organised by the Indian Institute of Arbitration and Mediation with two legal organisations.