ICSI Unveils Global ADR Centre to Tackle Court Backlog and Speed Up Justice The Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) has announced plans to establish an international centre for Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) to address the growing backlog in courts and expedite the resolution of commercial and civil disputes. The initiative, aimed at creating a parallel mechanism to the formal judicial system, was highlighted by ICSI national president Pawan Chandak, who emphasized the urgent need for systemic alternatives due to the overwhelming workload of courts. Chandak cited remarks by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, noting that the judiciary’s current overload could result in cases taking decades to resolve. The proposed ADR centre will initially be based in Noida, with plans to expand to major cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, and Chennai, as well as international hubs like Dubai, Singapore, Hong Kong, and London. Chandak described the platform as a "structured ecosystem" for arbitration and mediation, designed to complement the judicial system by diverting disputes to specialized forums. This approach is expected to reduce delays and provide more efficient solutions for parties involved in legal conflicts. Beyond dispute resolution, ICSI is broadening its engagement with emerging businesses through initiatives like the Startup and MSME Catalyst programme. This programme aims to equip company secretaries with expertise in business registration, financing, and compliance, supporting the growth of small and medium enterprises. The institute is also strengthening its global outreach in collaboration with the ministry of external affairs, focusing on corporate governance frameworks that address environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards, sustainability disclosures, and global risk management.#delhi #noida #surya_kant #icsi #pawan_chandak
ICSI Seeks Input on New Compliance Facilitation Scheme for 2026 The Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) has invited professionals to submit questions and clarifications regarding the recently introduced Company Compliance Facilitation Scheme (CCFS) 2026. This initiative aims to simplify regulatory compliance for companies and assist them in resolving outstanding obligations under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs. The scheme provides a structured framework for businesses to address gaps in regulatory filings and streamline their compliance processes. Established under the Company Secretaries Act, 1980, ICSI serves as India’s national professional body for company secretaries. It operates under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs and is tasked with regulating, developing, and promoting the profession across the country. Through a circular dated March 19, 2026, ICSI outlined the CCFS 2026 as a mechanism to enable companies to rectify lapses in regulatory filings and improve compliance efficiency. The institute has called on its members and the broader professional community to submit specific and clear queries about the scheme by March 23, 2026, via a dedicated Google Form. These inputs will be compiled and forwarded to the Ministry of Corporate Affairs to ensure timely clarifications and seamless implementation of the scheme. ICSI emphasized that this process will help align the scheme with practical challenges faced by businesses while ensuring regulatory adherence. ICSI continues to act as a bridge between the corporate sector and government authorities, fostering dialogue that strengthens regulatory frameworks while protecting professional interests.#ministry_of_corporate_affairs #icsi #company_secretaries_act_1980 #ccfs_2026 #google_form
