Question 1

What is online dispute resolution?

Accepted Answer

Online dispute resolution is the conduct of arbitration, mediation or conciliation using a secured digital platform instead of a physical registry. Filings, notices, hearings and the final award all take place on the case record, with the same legal effect as an offline proceeding.

Question 2

Who can file a case with TrevantaLegals?

Accepted Answer

Any party to a dispute — an individual, a company, a bank or a non-banking financial company — may file, either directly or through counsel. For arbitration and conciliation, a valid reference such as an arbitration clause or a joint reference is required.

Question 3

How is a neutral appointed?

Accepted Answer

The institution appoints from its empanelled list. Before confirmation, the proposed neutral discloses any circumstance affecting independence or impartiality, and the appointment is cleared for conflicts. Parties are informed of the appointment on the case record.

Question 4

Are hearings conducted online?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Hearings are conducted by video, with the date, time and joining details published to the case calendar. Attendance is recorded and minutes are filed to the record. A physical sitting may be directed by the neutral where circumstances require it.

Question 5

Is the process confidential?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Documents and proceedings are accessible only to the parties, their counsel, the appointed neutral, the assigned case manager and authorised registry staff. Mediation communications are additionally protected and are not to be relied on in other proceedings.

Question 6

What does SARFAESI enforcement support involve?

Accepted Answer

For secured creditors, the institution verifies the documentation, allocates a case manager and an empanelled counsel, supports preparation and filing of the application before the competent forum, and uploads the resulting order to the case record for the lender to download and proceed with attachment.

Question 7

How are fees determined?

Accepted Answer

Fees comprise a registration fee, an administrative fee based on the claim value or matter type, and the neutral's fee. The applicable schedule is communicated at registration. Fees are payable before the first substantive hearing unless the registry directs otherwise.

Question 8

Is an award issued through the platform enforceable?

Accepted Answer

Yes. An arbitral award, and a settlement agreement reached in conciliation, carry the effect provided under the Arbitration and Conciliation Act. Signed copies are made available to the parties for enforcement.

Question 9

How long does a matter take?

Accepted Answer

Mediation and conciliation frequently conclude within sixty to ninety days. Arbitration timelines depend on the complexity of the reference and statutory limits. SARFAESI filings depend on the court's calendar; the case manager reports each listing on the record.

Question 10

Who may apply for empanelment?

Accepted Answer

Advocates, retired judicial officers, chartered accountants, company secretaries, trained mediators and experienced case managers may apply. Applications are submitted through the empanelment form with a CV, and are placed before the empanelment committee.

Question 11

What happens to my documents after the case closes?

Accepted Answer

The case record is retained for the period required by law and by the institution's retention policy, then archived. Parties may download authenticated copies of orders and awards from the record while the case remains accessible.

Question 12

Does TrevantaLegals provide legal advice?

Accepted Answer

No. The institution administers proceedings and maintains the record. It does not advise parties on the merits of a dispute and nothing on this website constitutes legal advice or solicitation.

Frequently asked questions