What is ADR?
Alternative Dispute Resolution in India
ADR — Alternative Dispute Resolution — is the umbrella term for all methods of resolving disputes outside traditional courts: arbitration, mediation, conciliation, and negotiation.
Resolve Your Dispute with Sandhee →ADR Meaning
Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) refers to any method of resolving disputes without going to court. ADR processes are typically faster, cheaper, more confidential, and more flexible than traditional litigation.
In India, ADR is strongly encouraged by the government and judiciary to reduce the massive burden of pending court cases (over 5 crore cases pending in Indian courts). The Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996 and the Mediation Act, 2023 are the primary ADR legislations.
Types of ADR
Each ADR method has different characteristics and is suited to different types of disputes.
Arbitration
A neutral arbitrator hears both parties and issues a final, binding award. Most formal ADR method. Governed by the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996.
Learn about Arbitration →Mediation
A neutral mediator facilitates negotiation between parties to reach a voluntary settlement. No binding decision imposed. Governed by the Mediation Act, 2023.
Learn about Mediation →Conciliation
Similar to mediation but the conciliator may suggest settlement proposals. Governed by the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996 (Part III).
Learn about Conciliation →Negotiation
Direct discussion between parties (with or without lawyers) to reach a settlement without any third party. The most informal ADR method.
Contact Sandhee →Online Dispute Resolution (ODR)
All ADR methods conducted online through a secure digital platform. Sandhee is India's leading ODR platform, combining arbitration, mediation, and conciliation digitally.
Explore Sandhee's ODR →ADR vs Litigation
ADR
→Fast — weeks to months
→Cost-effective
→Confidential and private
→Expert neutral (arbitrator/mediator)
→Flexible procedures
→Binding or voluntary (depending on method)
→Relationship-preserving
Litigation (Court)
→Slow — months to years (often decades)
→Expensive — court fees, multiple hearings
→Public — court records are public
→General judge, may lack domain expertise
→Rigid procedural rules
→Binding, but subject to multiple appeals
→Often adversarial and relationship-damaging
Sandhee — India's Complete ADR Platform
Arbitration, mediation, and conciliation — all in one platform. Online, fast, and legally binding.