International Digital Dispute Resolution Centre (IDDRC) Inaugurated At NFSU Gandhinagar By CJI Surya Kant

Justice Surya Kant was attending the 4th Annual Convocation as the Chief Guest at NFSU. During the event, he dedicated the IDDRC to the global community, describing it as the first institution of its kind hosted at the National Forensic Sciences University.

Addressing the gathering, the Chief Justice underscored the need for robust digital dispute resolution mechanisms in view of the exponential growth of online transactions, cross-border digital commerce, and technology-driven governance frameworks. He observed that traditional adjudicatory systems must adapt to the realities of the digital age and embrace technology to ensure timely and effective justice delivery.

Justice Surya Kant highlighted that Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) platforms, AI-assisted mediation, and blockchain-based arbitral processes are emerging necessities. Emphasising access to justice, he noted that digital mechanisms can reduce procedural delays and transaction costs, particularly in commercial and cross-border disputes.

He further remarked that establishing such a Centre within a forensic sciences university provides a unique institutional advantage by enabling convergence between cyber forensics, digital evidence examination, and legal adjudication. He also stressed the importance of capacity building among judges, lawyers, and law enforcement authorities in handling technology-centric disputes.

According to university authorities, the International Digital Dispute Resolution Centre will function as a specialised hub for research, training, policy formulation, and institutional collaboration in the field of digital justice. It aims to facilitate dispute resolution relating to e-commerce transactions, fintech operations, cybersecurity breaches, data protection issues, and smart contracts.

The event was attended by members of the judiciary, senior academicians, members of the Bar, and students. Speakers noted that the initiative aligns with India's broader push towards digital governance and modernisation of the justice delivery system.

With the inauguration of the Centre, NFSU seeks to position itself as a leading academic and research institution in the domain of digital dispute resolution, bridging the gap between law, technology, and forensic science.

The inauguration ceremony was hosted by Vice-Chancellor Padma Shri Dr. J. M. Vyas, who welcomed the dignitaries and highlighted the vision behind the Centre. The event was also attended by Prof. (Dr.) Purvi Pokhariyal, Campus Director of NFSU Delhi Campus and Dean of the School of Law; Justice Arvind Kumar, Judge, Supreme Court of India; Justice Vipul Manubhai Pancholi, Judge, Supreme Court of India; Justice N. V. Anjaria, Judge, Supreme Court of India; the Chief Justice of the Gujarat High Court; other sitting judges of the High Court; and distinguished retired judges from the Supreme Court and High Courts.

The function was further attended by eminent dignitaries from the legal, academic and law enforcement communities.