In April and May 2026, Young ArbitralWomen Practitioners (YAWP), together with the Indian Institute of Arbitration & Mediation (IIAM), co-organized an Arbitration Study Group Lunchtime Series at the New Delhi High Court. The series has been co-moderated by YAWP Steering Committee Member Manini Brar and ArbitralWomen Member Iram Majid. 

On 21 April 2026, the first session drew participation from 10-15 lawyers for a 15-20 minute session. It involved a close-door, casual discussion with guest speaker Dr. Shashwat Bajpai FCIArb on the factors to be considered in choosing an arbitral institution. A comparative chart of six leading global institutions (ICC, LCIA, HKIAC, SIAC, DIAC, ICDR) as well as IIAM was circulated to the participants at the start of the session. Key aspects of these institutions were highlighted in the chart and discussed with participants, including: historical identities, sectoral strengths, procedural toolkits, geographic spread, institutional oversight, and institutional responsiveness. The session concluded with a lively Q&A, with participants raising questions and sharing their own experiences.

On 7 May 2026, a second session was held, featuring guest speaker Gauhar Mirza, Partner at Saraf & Partners. The session drew around 25 junior and senior lawyers from the Delhi High Court for a 20-25 minute session on the “Notice of Arbitration”, during which Gauhar discussed the legal importance of this first notice and anecdotes on why it is key to a well-managed arbitration. The discussion identified the information to be included in an effective Notice of Arbitration, common pitfalls to avoid, and strategic considerations that counsel must bear in mind when initiating arbitral proceedings. We also discussed some landmark Indian cases which determine the content and consequences of the Notice of Arbitration. The session was a close-door discussion encouraging candid dialogue between the guest speaker, moderators, and participants. The session concluded with an engaging Q&A, with participants raising questions drawn from their own practice and experiences. 

On 21 May 2026, the third session featured guest speaker Chand Chopra, an Advocate before the Delhi High Court and a Solicitor in England & Wales (NP). Over 25 lawyers participated in the lunchtime session which covered the “First Procedural Meeting”, during which Chand discussed the conduct and significance of the first procedural meeting in arbitral proceedings, drawing on practical experience and real-world examples. The discussion covered the key topics addressed in a First Procedural Order including the constitution and jurisdiction of the tribunal, applicable law, procedural timelines, seat and venue, language of the arbitration, mode of communication, and whether a differentiation in approach is required in an institutional versus ad-hoc arbitration.  Participants also discussed recent developments, including the mandatory disclosure obligations under Section 12(1)(b) of the Arbitration & Conciliation Act, 1996, and the consequences of non-disclosure, with reference to recent case law. Several participants in the third session had attended prior sessions.  In addition, the session welcomed a number of new attendees. It was a closed-door discussion encouraging candid dialogue between the guest speaker, moderators, and participants.  The session concluded with an engaging Q&A, with participants raising questions drawn from their own practice and experiences.

Additional sessions are scheduled for July, once the Delhi High Court reopens after vacation.

Submitted by the YAWP Steering Committee Member Manini Brar