The latest edition of Avtar Singh’s Law of Arbitration and Conciliation, revised and comprehensively updated by Saurabh Bindal, will soon offer readers a definitive work on arbitration jurisprudence in India, faithfully preserving the intellectual legacy of Dr Avtar Singh while responding with clarity and depth to the demands of a rapidly evolving legal framework.
Inspired by the enduring principle “Where there is dharma, there will be victory”—emblazoned on the emblem of the Supreme Court of India—the book recognises law as the cornerstone of commercial relationships and dispute resolution. This edition serves both as a scholarly appreciation of arbitration and conciliation law and as a practical guide to its modern application, reflecting the trust that “We, the People” repose in the rule of law.
Key Features of the Book
Comprehensive, Current, and Court-Aligned
This revised edition is fully aligned with the latest judicial developments and legislative reforms, capturing the trajectory of arbitration law following the landmark amendments to the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996 in 2015, 2019, and 2021. These reforms—introducing time-bound procedures, institutional arbitration, and refined judicial oversight—are analysed in a coherent and integrated manner throughout the text.
The book offers an in-depth examination of pivotal Supreme Court decisions shaping contemporary arbitral discourse, including:
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Gayatri Balasamy v. ISG Novasoft Technologies Ltd. (2025) 7 SCC 1
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SBI General Insurance Co. Ltd. v. Krish Spg. (2024) 12 SCC 1
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Cox & Kings Ltd. v. SAP India (P) Ltd. (2024) 4 SCC 1
These decisions, along with Constitution Bench rulings, are discussed with precision, enabling readers to clearly understand their reasoning, ratio, and doctrinal impact on arbitration practice in India.
Scholarship That Guides, Not Dictates
A defining strength of this edition is its seamless and reader-friendly narrative, integrating statutory provisions, amendments, and case law without disrupting conceptual flow. As noted in the Foreword by Justice K.V. Viswanathan, Judge, Supreme Court of India, the book provides exactly what a legal researcher needs—a compact, well-organised presentation of the law, followed by a clear exposition of judicial ratios—without imposing personal opinion or unnecessary commentary.
Honouring a Colossus, Advancing the Discourse
Revising a work authored by the legendary Dr Avtar Singh is no ordinary task. This edition rises to that challenge with meticulous research and intellectual integrity. While preserving the foundational principles rooted in the 1940 Act, it situates them firmly within the contemporary statutory regime. The updated chapters ensure continuity of thought while remaining firmly anchored in present-day legal realities.
Special Emphasis on ADR
Recognising the growing importance of Alternative Dispute Resolution in addressing judicial pendency and commercial disputes, the book places renewed emphasis on conciliation, alongside arbitration and mediation. It highlights their critical role in improving efficiency, strengthening access to justice, and supporting India’s commercial and institutional framework.
About the Author
Dr Avtar Singh was among India’s most respected legal academics, revered for his scholarship, humility, and lifelong commitment to legal education. Associated with the Faculty of Law, Lucknow University from 1957 to 1993, he was affectionately known as “Doctor Sahib”—a teacher, mentor, and guide to generations of students.
Renowned for his lucid and methodical teaching, Dr Avtar Singh possessed a rare ability to simplify complex legal concepts without compromising doctrinal depth. His prolific body of work includes authoritative texts on Contract Law, Company Law, Partnership, Sale of Goods, Competition Law, Banking and Negotiable Instruments, Intellectual Property, Consumer Protection, Insurance Law, and Arbitration and ADR. Writing in both English and Hindi, he significantly expanded access to legal education, making his books indispensable to law students as well as management, CA, and CS aspirants across the country.
About the Revising Author
Saurabh Bindal is an advocate practising before the Supreme Court of India and the Delhi High Court. Called to the Bar in 2012, he holds degrees in Engineering and Law and is an alumnus of the Rajiv Gandhi School of Intellectual Property Law, IIT Kharagpur.
He has worked with reputed law firms, authored several books and scholarly papers, and regularly contributes columns to leading newspapers. A frequent speaker at legal forums, his areas of interest include constitutional law and its intersection with intellectual property. He focuses on litigation and dispute resolution, handling high-stakes matters and arbitrations, and currently leads the disputes and litigation practice of a reputed law firm as an Partner.
Why You Should Buy This Book
This book is not merely another commentary—it is a trusted guide, scholarly reference, and practical manual for anyone engaging with arbitration law in India.
It brings together the timeless clarity of Dr Avtar Singh’s scholarship with a rigorous and contemporary treatment of modern arbitration law. The amendments to the 1996 Act and the evolving Supreme Court jurisprudence are not treated in isolation; they are woven seamlessly into the statutory framework, helping readers understand both what has changed and why it matters.
With its balanced approach to judicial interpretation, focused emphasis on conciliation and ADR, and a structure that supports both quick reference and deep study, the book is equally valuable to:
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Law students seeking conceptual clarity
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Practising lawyers and arbitrators requiring precise, up-to-date analysis
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Academicians and researchers engaging with arbitration theory
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Businesses and professionals relying on arbitration as an effective dispute resolution mechanism
In essence, owning Avtar Singh’s Law of Arbitration and Conciliation means owning a work where tradition meets transformation, scholarship meets practice, and doctrine meets real-world application.
A must-have for every serious arbitration library—continuing a legacy, shaping the future. The latest edition of this seminal work is set to hit the stores soon.