The Gandhinagar International Mediation & Arbitration Centre (GIM&AC) operates under the institutional authority of the Gandhinagar Arbitration & Mediation Foundation (GAMF), a Section 8 not-for-profit company incorporated under the Companies Act, 2013. Its rules and governance structure are designed to uphold transparency, neutrality, procedural excellence, and compliance with both domestic and international standards.
GIM&AC Arbitration and Mediation Rules, 2026
(Effective from January 2026)
The GIM&AC Arbitration and Mediation Rules, 2026 provide the procedural framework for all proceedings conducted under the Centre’s auspices. These Rules are fully aligned with:
- The UNCITRAL Model Law on International Commercial Arbitration (1985, amended 2006);
- The New York Convention on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Arbitral Awards (1958); and
- The IFSCA Expert Committee Recommendations on Institutional Arbitration Rules for GIFT IFSC.
Salient Features
- Summary by Default for disputes below ₹ 50 crore, ensuring timely resolution without compromising fairness.
- Multi-Tier Dispute Resolution Process — Negotiation → Mediation → Arbitration.
- Digital Authentication of Filings & Awards under the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023.
- Transparent Fee Schedule & Cost Management Framework accessible to all parties.
- Code of Conduct for arbitrators, mediators, and parties to preserve integrity and impartiality.
- Confidentiality & Data-Protection Protocols in compliance with IFSCA and Indian data-protection laws.
Governance Structure
1. Board of Directors (GAMF)
The Board of Directors of the Gandhinagar Arbitration & Mediation Foundation provides strategic supervision and ensures compliance with all statutory obligations under the Companies Act, 2013. The Board approves institutional policies, oversees financial governance, and maintains accountability consistent with IFSCA standards.
2. Governing Council (GIM&AC)
The Governing Council comprises distinguished jurists, arbitrators, mediators, and domain experts responsible for:
- Formulating and amending the GIM&AC Rules;
- Accrediting panel members;
- Supervising institutional operations and performance metrics; and
- Upholding the Centre’s commitment to neutrality and international best practices.
3. Advisory Committees
Specialized advisory committees support policy, ethics, and innovation:
- Legal & Procedural Committee – ensures consistency with global ADR frameworks.
- Ethics & Conduct Committee – monitors adherence to the institutional Code of Ethics.
- Technology & Innovation Committee – governs BRAS 2.0, digital hearings, and cybersecurity compliance.
- Quality Review & Audit Committee – evaluates institutional efficiency and publishes annual scorecards under the Composite Quality Framework (CQF).
Quality Assurance & Compliance
GIM&AC maintains an independent internal audit and compliance unit that:
- Periodically reviews case timelines, costs, and procedural adherence;
- Submits compliance reports to the Board of Directors (GAMF) and, where applicable, to IFSCA;
- Benchmarks operations against leading global arbitration institutions (SIAC, LCIA, ICC, DIFC, HKIAC).
The Centre’s continuous-improvement mechanism guarantees that every award, mediation agreement, and administrative process meets the highest international enforceability standards.
Rule-Making Authority
All amendments to the GIM&AC Arbitration and Mediation Rules are undertaken by the Governing Council with the approval of the Board of Directors (GAMF). Revisions are made only after public consultation with stakeholders, ensuring alignment with evolving legislation, global standards, and the guiding philosophy of the Foundation.
Governance Ethos
“Governance is not control — it is the discipline that builds trust.”
Every structural and procedural element within GIM&AC reflects its founding belief: that justice, to remain legitimate, must be transparent in design, predictable in process, and ethical in execution.