SAROD-Ports

Subject: Government initiative

Context:

Union Minister of State for Shipping has launched ‘SAROD-Ports’ (Society for Affordable Redressal of Disputes – Ports) through virtual ceremony in New Delhi.

Concept:

• SAROD-Ports as a game changer and added that it will become the pivotal mechanism of ummeed (hope), vishwas(trust) and nyaya (justice) in the Port sector of India.
• SAROD-Ports will resolve the disputes in fair and just manner while saving huge amount of legal expenditure and time.
• SAROD-Ports is established under Societies Registration Act, 1860 with the following objectives:
  • Affordable and timely resolution of disputes in fair manner
  • Enrichment of Dispute Resolution Mechanism with the panel of technical experts as arbitrators.
• SAROD-Ports consists members from Indian Ports Association (IPA) and Indian Private Ports and Terminals Association (IPTTA).
• SAROD-Ports will advise and assist in settlement of disputes through arbitrations in the maritime sector, including ports and shipping sector in Major Port Trusts, Non-major Ports, including private ports, jetties, terminals and harbours.
• It will also cover disputes between granting authority and Licensee/Concessionaire /Contractor   and also disputes between Licensee/Concessionaire and their contractors arising out of and during the course of execution of various contracts.
• All major Ports are shifting towards ‘Landlord Model’ in the days to come. Many concessioners will be working with the Major Ports. SAROD-Ports will inspire confidence in the private players and will ensure right kind of environment for our partners.
• It will promote ease of doing business in the maritime sector because of the fast, timely, cost effective and robust dispute resolution mechanism.
• ‘SAROD-Ports’ is similar to provision available in Highway Sector in the form of SAROD-Roads constituted by NHAI.