Indian judicial is one of the oldest judicial systems, a world- famed fact but currently it's also well- known fact that Indian judicial is getting hamstrung to deal with pending cases, Indian courts are congested with long unsettled cases. The script is that indeed after setting up further than a thousand fast track Courts that formerly settled millions of cases the problem is far from being answered as pending cases are still piling up.

To deal with such a situation alternative dispute Resolution (ADR) can be helpful medium, it resolves conflict in a peaceful manner where the outgrowth is accepted by both the parties. Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) is a growing field that is changing the way we think about resolving conflicts. ADR refers to a range of methods for resolving disputes outside of the traditional courtroom setting, including mediation, negotiation, and arbitration.

In this article, we will explore the benefits and challenges of using ADR, as well as the different types of ADR methods available provides an alternative to traditional court litigation, which can be time-consuming, expensive, and emotionally draining for all parties involved. ADR methods are generally less formal and more collaborative, allowing parties to have more control over the outcome of their dispute. Additionally, ADR can be less adversarial than traditional court litigation, which can help preserve relationships between the parties.

Meaning of ADR

It is alternative dispute resolution in which two or more parties are settled to an amicable result without the intervention of the court. Alternative dispute is design to solve the dispute outside the court with the help of an impartial third party. ADR is a different way to settle the dispute without a trial. the process of ADR are generally confidential , less formal and stress less than traditional court proceedings.

It is multiple non-judicial methods of handling conflicts between parties and provide mechanism substitute to the conventional methods of resolving dispute .it is voluntary structured process and involves pressure of an impartial third party. the third party assist the other two parties to reach a decision or make a decision of their behalf.

Need of ADR

Alternative dispute resolution method has gained substantive traction over the past 30 years. There are many reasons involved behind this increasing interest in ADR some of them are:

1. Increases court efficiency:
   Court are overburdened with increasing number of cases, not many judges available to handle the caseload. ADR provide helping hands to courts to increase court efficiency.
    
2. Less costly:
   ADR is less expensive than trial by far is most expensive stage of litigation. The attorneys of the plaintiff charge extra fee till it reaches the trial stage. ADR is less expensive than court.
    
3. Less risk:
   Unintended outcomes in jury trial. Favourable decision may become unfavourable due to presentation of well-versed argument. ADR prevent this risk as the decision in favour of both the parties.
    
4. Private and Confidential process:
   Everybody wants their reputation intact. In trial, every fact and secret are open to public. ADR ensure privacy and hence there is no harm to the reputation of the parties.

Few provisions related to ADR

Few important provisions related to ADR are:

1. Section 89 of the Civil Procedure Code, 1908 provides that opportunity to the people, if it appears to court there exist elements of settlement outside the court then court formulate the terms of the possible settlement and refer the same for: Arbitration, Conciliation, Mediation or Lok Adalat.
    
2.  Order 10 of the civil procedure code, 1908 examination of parties by the court.
    
3. Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996 and,
    
4. The Legal Services Authority Act, 1987.

Advantages of ADR

Here are some of the advantages of ADR:

1. Faster resolution:
   ADR methods can be faster than traditional court proceedings. This is because ADR allows parties to schedule meetings and hearings more quickly and with less formality.
    
2. Less formal:
   ADR proceedings are often less formal than court proceedings. This can make parties feel more comfortable and can reduce the stress and anxiety that can come with a formal court setting.
    
3. Increased control:
   ADR allows parties to have more control over the outcome of their dispute. In court proceedings, a judge or jury makes the final decision, but in ADR, the parties can negotiate and come to an agreement that works for everyone.
    
4. Confidentiality:
   ADR proceedings can be confidential, meaning that the details of the dispute and any resolution reached can be kept private. This can be particularly important for disputes that involve sensitive information or reputational issues.
    
5. Flexibility:
   ADR methods can be tailored to the specific needs of the parties involved. This means that parties can choose the method that is best suited to their situation, whether it's mediation, arbitration, or another form of ADR.

Overall, ADR offers many advantages over traditional court proceedings. It can be faster, less expensive, less formal, and more flexible, and it allows parties to have more control over the outcome of their dispute.

Disadvantages of ADR

While ADR, or Alternative Dispute Resolution, offers many advantages, there are also some potential disadvantages to consider:

1. No guarantee of resolution:
   ADR methods rely on the willingness of both parties to negotiate and come to a resolution. If one or both parties are unwilling to compromise or agree, the ADR process may not result in a resolution.
    
2. Unequal power dynamics:
   In some cases, one party may have more power or resources than the other, which can create an imbalance in negotiations during ADR proceedings.
    
3. Limited legal protections:
   Depending on the ADR method used, parties may have fewer legal protections and may not be able to appeal the decision made.
    
4. Lack of transparency:
   While confidentiality can be an advantage, it can also be a disadvantage if it means that the public is not aware of potential wrongdoing or issues that may be of public concern.
    
5. Lack of enforceability:
   If a party does not comply with the decision or agreement reached through ADR, enforcing the decision may be difficult or impossible, especially if the agreement is not legally binding.
    
6. Limited discovery:
   In some ADR methods, such as mediation, the parties may not have access to the same level of information or discovery as they would in a court proceeding, which can make it more difficult to come to a resolution.

Overall, while ADR can offer many benefits, it is important to consider these potential disadvantages and weigh them against the benefits before deciding whether ADR is the best approach for a particular dispute.

Kinds of ADR

There are several kinds of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) that are commonly used to resolve disputes outside of traditional court proceedings.

Here are some of the most common kinds of ADR:

1. Mediation:
   In mediation, a neutral third party, known as the mediator, helps the parties involved in a dispute communicate with each other and come to a mutually agreeable resolution. The mediator does not make any decisions, but instead facilitates discussion and negotiation between the parties.
    
2. Arbitration:
   In arbitration, a neutral third party, known as the arbitrator, listens to evidence and arguments from both sides and makes a decision that is binding on the parties. Arbitration can be less formal and less time-consuming than going to court, but the decision is final and may be more difficult to appeal.
    
3. Conciliation:
   Conciliation is similar to mediation, but the third-party conciliator may take a more active role in suggesting solutions to the parties involved.
    
4. Negotiation:
   Negotiation is the simplest form of ADR, where the parties involved in the dispute try to reach a resolution between themselves, without the involvement of a neutral third party.
    
5. Mini-Trial:
   In a mini-trial, each party presents its case to a panel that includes representatives from each side and a neutral third party. The panel then tries to negotiate a resolution based on the presentations.
    
6. Neutral Evaluation:
   In neutral evaluation, a neutral third party, such as an expert in the field, evaluates the dispute and provides an opinion on how it should be resolved. The opinion is not binding, but it can help the parties come to a resolution.
    
7. Online Dispute Resolution (ODR):
   ODR involves resolving disputes through online platforms, such as email, video conference, or online mediation. This mode of ADR is particularly useful in situations where parties are located in different geographic locations or where travel is difficult or not possible.

Each kind of ADR has its own benefits and drawbacks, and the best kind for a particular dispute will depend on the specific circumstances of the case.

Conclusion
Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) is a process used to resolve disputes outside of traditional court proceedings. ADR offers several advantages over traditional litigation, including cost savings, greater control over the outcome, and faster resolution. ADR can also help to preserve relationships between the parties involved in the dispute.

There are several kinds of ADR, including mediation, arbitration, conciliation, negotiation, mini-trials, neutral evaluation, and online dispute resolution. Each type of ADR has its own benefits and drawbacks, and the best option for a particular dispute will depend on the specific circumstances of the case. Overall, ADR provides an effective and efficient means of resolving disputes and can be a valuable tool for businesses, individuals, and organizations.