A dispute redressal mechanism SAROD Ports (Society for Affordable Redressal of Disputes – Ports) was launched to facilitate affordable and timely resolution of disputes for the maritime sector.
Features of SAROD Ports
- It has been established under the Societies Registration Act, 1860 and has been put together by the concessionaire and the port association.
- It will 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.
- The Union Cabinet had approved amendments in the Model Concession Agreement and the amendments had envisaged the constitution of SAROD-Ports as a dispute resolution mechanism for PPP projects in major ports.
- SAROD-Ports will consist of members from the Indian Ports Association (IPA) and Indian Private Ports and Terminals Association (IPTTA).
- It 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.
- The mechanism is similar to provision available in the highway sector in the form of SAROD-Roads constituted by NHAI.
Advantages
- It will resolve the disputes in a fair and just manner while saving a huge amount of legal expenditure and time.
- It will inspire confidence among private players working with major ports and will ensure the right kind of environment.
- It will promote ease of doing business in the maritime sector because of the fast, timely, cost-effective and robust dispute resolution mechanism.
Source: PIB & Economic Times
