Samanjasya ODR Unveiled at NLU Delhi: Technology and AI in Dispute Resolution | MEDIA24BY7

The curtain raiser ceremony of the Samanjasya Arbitration, Mediation and ODR Council brought together legal professionals, institutional leaders and students at National Law University Delhi.  Image Credit: Samanjasya ODR / Supplied to MEDIA24BY7

Samanjasya ODR Unveiled at NLU Delhi: How Technology Could Transform Dispute Resolution

New Delhi, August 8, 2026 — A new technology-enabled initiative aimed at bringing arbitration, mediation, conciliation and Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) together was unveiled at National Law University Delhi (NLU Delhi), marking an important development at the intersection of law, technology and digital dispute resolution.

The Samanjasya Arbitration, Mediation and ODR Council (Samanjasya ODR) was unveiled through a digital curtain-raiser at NLU Delhi by Justice Ashok Bhushan, former Judge of the Supreme Court of India and former Chairperson of the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT).

According to the organisation's press release, Samanjasya ODR is incubated under the aegis of the NLU Delhi Foundation and is being developed in collaboration with National Law University Delhi. The initiative aims to create a neutral, professional and technology-enabled institutional platform for arbitration, mediation, conciliation and Online Dispute Resolution.

For MEDIA24BY7, the development is particularly relevant because it demonstrates how digital technology, AI-related approaches and human-centric processes are increasingly being considered in sectors traditionally dominated by physical and institution-based processes.

Media Note: This report is based on information and photographs shared with MEDIA24BY7 by representatives of Samanjasya ODR regarding the August 8, 2026 curtain-raiser ceremony at National Law University Delhi.

What Is Samanjasya ODR?

Samanjasya ODR is being developed as an institutional platform focused on alternative dispute resolution, commonly referred to as ADR.

Alternative dispute resolution allows parties to resolve disputes through mechanisms such as mediation, arbitration and conciliation rather than relying exclusively on conventional litigation.

The organisation describes its vision as bringing together academic expertise, professional dispute-resolution capabilities, technology and a human-centric approach.

The initiative is being developed with the objective of making dispute resolution more accessible, affordable, efficient and dignified, according to its founder, Prince Pawaiya.

Its proposed technology-enabled framework could allow several stages of the dispute-resolution process to be handled digitally.

These include:

• Digital filing

• Service of notices

• Secure document exchange

• Appointment of neutrals

• Online mediation

• Online hearings

• Case tracking

• Settlements

• Awards

The organisation also proposes sector-specific dispute-resolution frameworks for areas including banking and NBFCs, insurance, MSMEs, companies, educational institutions, associations and public bodies.

Justice Ashok Bhushan Highlights the Role of Technology

Representatives associated with Samanjasya ODR during the ceremony, highlighting the initiative's focus on arbitration, mediation, online dispute resolution and technology-enabled justice. Image Credit: Samanjasya ODR / Supplied to MEDIA24BY7

One of the central messages from the curtain-raiser was that technology should improve access to justice without compromising the principles that make dispute resolution trustworthy.

Justice Ashok Bhushan emphasised the importance of institutional trust, independence of neutrals, clear procedures, confidentiality and fairness in credible ADR institutions.

Discussing technology and AI, he stressed a principle that is increasingly relevant as artificial intelligence enters professional and institutional workflows:

“Technology should assist justice, not dilute it.”

The statement reflects an important distinction between using technology as an enabler and allowing technology to replace the human judgment, fairness and institutional safeguards required in sensitive disputes.

For technology platforms entering areas such as legal services, financial services and dispute resolution, trust will remain as important as technical capability.

Why Online Dispute Resolution Matters

Traditional dispute resolution can involve multiple stages, physical appearances, documentation, scheduling and geographical limitations.

Online Dispute Resolution attempts to use digital infrastructure to reduce some of these barriers.

A technology-enabled ODR framework can potentially allow parties, professionals and neutral decision-makers to interact through digital systems without requiring every stage of a dispute to happen physically at one location.

Samanjasya's proposed model goes beyond simply holding an online meeting.

Its stated vision includes an end-to-end digital dispute-resolution framework, beginning with digital filing and continuing through notices, document exchange, neutral appointments, online mediation and hearings, case tracking, settlements and awards.

That approach is significant because digital transformation becomes more valuable when individual tools are connected into a complete workflow.

Instead of treating online hearings, document management and case tracking as separate technologies, an integrated ODR platform could connect them within a single institutional process.

Technology Meets a Human-Centric Approach

Technology alone cannot resolve the human challenges associated with disputes.

Legal and commercial disputes can involve financial pressure, professional uncertainty, interpersonal conflict and emotional stress.

Samanjasya ODR says its proposed model will therefore take a human-centric approach.

Founder Prince Pawaiya announced the proposed integration of Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP)-backed processes into the institutional framework. The organisation also proposes providing access to NLP practitioners and psychologists during the dispute-resolution journey to address the emotional and psychological stress that parties may experience.

Important clarification: In this context, NLP refers to Neuro-Linguistic Programming, as stated in the press release. It should not be confused with the artificial-intelligence term Natural Language Processing, which is also commonly abbreviated as NLP.

Samanjasya describes its proposed NLP-backed model as a first-of-its-kind ADR initiative in India. This is an organisational claim contained in the press release and should be understood as such rather than as an independently verified industry ranking.

Pawaya also outlined a human-centric approach involving technology-supported processes and psychological support during the dispute-resolution journey.

NLU Delhi's Role in the Initiative

National Law University Delhi is an important part of the initiative's institutional foundation.

Samanjasya ODR is being incubated under the aegis of the NLU Delhi Foundation and developed in collaboration with NLU Delhi.

Prof. (Dr.) G.S. Bajpai, Vice-Chancellor of NLU Delhi, highlighted the importance of directing disputes toward processes appropriate to their nature and described “informed choice” as a governing principle.

He also emphasised responsible use of technology while preserving fairness, neutrality and institutional integrity.

Prof. (Dr.) Risham Garg, Registrar of NLU Delhi, described Samanjasya as a convergence of mediation, arbitration and technology and expressed the hope that it could also become a platform for academic and professional engagement involving students and faculty.

This academic connection could be particularly important as universities increasingly become environments where emerging technologies and professional practices are tested, studied and developed.

The Digital Infrastructure Behind the Vision

The proposed Samanjasya model illustrates how digital infrastructure can potentially be applied across the dispute-resolution lifecycle.

1. Digital Filing

Instead of beginning a process entirely through physical documentation, parties could submit information and documents through a digital system.

2. Digital Notices

The proposed framework includes service of notices, potentially allowing communication to become more structured within the digital workflow.

3. Secure Document Exchange

Disputes often involve sensitive documents. The proposed platform includes secure document exchange as one component of its digital framework.

4. Appointment of Neutrals

The system envisages the appointment of neutral professionals as part of the dispute-resolution process.

5. Online Mediation and Hearings

Online mediation and hearings could allow participants to engage remotely where appropriate.

6. Case Tracking

A digital case-tracking layer could provide visibility into the progress of a dispute.

7. Settlements and Awards

The proposed workflow extends through settlements and awards, creating an end-to-end digital vision rather than focusing solely on virtual meetings.

Where AI Could Fit Into Digital Dispute Resolution

The press release specifically discusses technology and AI but does not provide detailed technical specifications of an AI system being deployed by Samanjasya.

Therefore, it would be premature to describe the initiative as an operational AI-powered legal platform.

However, the broader direction raises interesting possibilities for future technology applications.

AI could potentially assist digital dispute-resolution ecosystems with tasks such as document organisation, information retrieval, summarisation, workflow automation and administrative support, provided such applications are implemented with appropriate safeguards.

The key principle remains human oversight.

In sensitive areas such as legal disputes, AI-generated information should not automatically be treated as a substitute for qualified professionals, independent neutrals or established legal procedures.

That makes the principle highlighted at the event — technology should assist justice rather than dilute it — particularly relevant.

Potential Impact on MSMEs and High-Volume Disputes

One of the notable aspects of the Samanjasya proposal is its plan to explore sector-specific dispute-resolution frameworks.

The press release identifies banking and NBFCs, insurance, MSMEs, companies, educational institutions, associations and public bodies as potential sectors for such frameworks, particularly where disputes occur in high volumes.

For MSMEs, efficient dispute resolution can be especially important because prolonged disputes may consume management time and financial resources.

A well-designed digital process could potentially make it easier for organisations to initiate, track and manage disputes.

However, the actual effectiveness of any ODR platform will ultimately depend on factors such as adoption, procedural quality, security, confidentiality, neutrality, accessibility and user trust.

Technology can provide infrastructure, but institutional credibility remains essential.

Why This Development Matters for India's Digital Future

India's technology ecosystem is expanding beyond consumer applications, software and e-commerce.

Digital platforms are increasingly being explored across professional and institutional sectors.

The Samanjasya ODR initiative represents one example of this broader shift: applying technology to a process that has historically depended heavily on physical institutions, documents and face-to-face interactions.

The combination of ODR + digital workflows + responsible AI thinking + human-centric support represents an emerging technology story worth watching.

It also highlights an important lesson for digital transformation: successful technology adoption is not simply about putting an existing process online.

The underlying workflow, governance structure, user experience, security and human requirements must also be considered.

A Balanced Approach to Legal Technology

The launch also raises an important question for the future of legal technology:

How far should technology go in dispute resolution?

The answer is unlikely to be “as far as possible.”

Instead, technology should be used where it improves accessibility, efficiency and transparency while preserving confidentiality, fairness and human judgment.

This principle becomes increasingly important as AI capabilities improve.

Automated systems may become increasingly capable of analysing information, organising documents and supporting professional workflows. But disputes involve people, competing interests and questions that can require context and judgment.

The Samanjasya proposal places the human element alongside its technology ambitions, rather than treating technology as the entire solution.

What Comes Next for Samanjasya ODR?

Distinguished legal professionals and members of the Samanjasya ODR initiative participate in the ceremony focused on advancing human-centric and technology-supported dispute resolution. Image Credit: Samanjasya ODR / Supplied to MEDIA24BY7

The August 8 curtain-raiser represents the unveiling of the initiative and its proposed institutional framework.

The organisation's stated vision includes developing technology-enabled processes and sector-specific dispute-resolution frameworks.

The next stage will be particularly important because the success of an ODR institution will ultimately depend on how its proposed framework works in practice.

Areas to watch include:

• The development of its digital platform

• Data security and confidentiality mechanisms

• The practical implementation of online hearings

• Neutral appointment procedures

• Integration of technology into case workflows

• Sector-specific ODR frameworks

• The role of AI and automation

• Human oversight and professional accountability

• Accessibility for individuals and organisations

• Adoption by businesses and institutions

MEDIA24BY7 Takeaway

The unveiling of Samanjasya ODR at NLU Delhi represents an interesting intersection of technology, AI, legal innovation and digital transformation.

Its proposed model aims to connect arbitration, mediation, conciliation and ODR through a digital framework while also introducing a human-centric approach to the dispute-resolution journey.

The most important takeaway is not simply that technology is entering dispute resolution.

It is that the future of professional technology may increasingly involve hybrid systems where digital infrastructure supports human expertise rather than attempting to replace it.

For MEDIA24BY7, this is precisely the kind of industry development worth following: a technology initiative with implications for AI, digital platforms, professional services, businesses and the future of online workflows.

As Samanjasya ODR moves from its announced vision toward implementation, its development could provide an interesting case study in how technology is applied to one of the most sensitive areas of professional life — resolving disputes while maintaining trust, fairness and human dignity.

MEDIA24BY7 will continue tracking significant developments at the intersection of AI, technology, digital transformation and emerging professional platforms.

Editorial Information

Category: Technology / Digital Transformation
Section: MEDIA24BY7 Newsroom / Press Coverage
Coverage type: Industry & Technology News
Location: New Delhi, India
Event date: August 8, 2026

Editorial Note: This article is based on information and photographs provided to MEDIA24BY7 by the organisers. MEDIA24BY7 has independently edited the material for clarity and publication.

Source: Press release supplied to MEDIA24BY7 regarding the unveiling of Samanjasya Arbitration, Mediation and ODR Council at National Law University Delhi. The article distinguishes organisational proposals and claims from independently verified facts.