The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) on July 23, 2026, issued the Consultation Paper on Streamlining the Online Dispute Resolution Framework in the Indian Securities Market.
The following has been stated:
• The consultation proposes that Market Infrastructure Institutions (MIIs)—including stock exchanges, depositories, and clearing corporations—take over the administration and management of the ODR mechanism from the existing ODR institutions. MIIs will be responsible for empanelling conciliators and arbitrators, allocating disputes, monitoring timelines, maintaining digital records, and ensuring standardized procedures across the securities market.
• SEBI has proposed several procedural improvements, including uniform eligibility criteria for conciliators and arbitrators, revised fee structures, simplified filing procedures, defined jurisdiction for disputes, digital document submission, online hearings, and stricter timelines for conciliation and arbitration proceedings. The framework also seeks to strengthen governance through enhanced oversight, periodic performance reviews, monitoring of dispute-resolution outcomes, and greater accountability for institutions managing the ODR process.
• The consultation paper further aims to improve enforcement of arbitral awards, reduce procedural delays, minimize litigation costs, and provide investors and regulated entities with a seamless, technology-driven platform for resolving disputes. By standardizing the ODR ecosystem and enhancing operational efficiency, SEBI intends to promote faster grievance redressal, strengthen investor confidence, and improve the ease of doing business in the Indian securities market.
• SEBI has invited public comments and suggestions on the consultation paper until August 13, 2026.
