ODR · Rules · Schedule G
FEAM ODR Rules
An online proceeding at FEAM applies the full FEAM Arbitration Rules, supplemented by the ODR & Virtual Hearing Protocol in Schedule G and the digital-first rules that govern how a matter is filed, heard, secured, and decided online.
What governs an ODR matter
The FEAM RulesThe complete Arbitration or Mediation Rules apply
Schedule GThe ODR & Virtual Hearing Protocol overlay
Rules 71 & 73Digital-first administration and ODR proceedings
How the ODR rules fit together
ODR is not a separate rulebook. An entire arbitration may be conducted through FEAM's ODR platform under Rule 73, and when it is, the same rules that govern any FEAM matter continue to apply — appointment, procedure, evidence, and the award.
What Schedule G and the digital-first rules add is the online overlay: how documents are filed and served, the standards a virtual hearing must meet, how the record is made, how information is secured, and how an award is signed electronically. Where a rule speaks specifically to online proceedings, it governs that aspect of the matter.
The Rules
Every provision that governs an online matter
Reproduced from the FEAM Institutional Rules, Version 1.0. Search by keyword, or open a provision to read it in full.
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Schedule G — ODR & Virtual Hearing Protocol
FEAM is a digital-first institution. All proceedings are digitally native by default.
All documents are filed through FEAM's case management portal. Accepted formats: PDF (primary), DOCX, XLSX, MP4/MP3 (recordings), and native digital files. Maximum single file size: 50 MB; larger files are shared via secure shared link.
Each participant must: join from a private location; maintain a minimum 10 Mbps internet connection; keep the camera on at all times; ensure the display name is visible; mute when not speaking; and have a backup device or phone connection ready.
AI transcription may be enabled for hearings. The official record is adopted by the Tribunal within 7 days, with the parties' correction input. Rule 55 applies.
No party may record any hearing without the Tribunal's prior written approval.
FEAM's technical support team is available throughout all scheduled ODR hearings. On a technical failure, the hearing is suspended for up to 30 minutes for resolution; if unresolved, it is adjourned to a date within 7 days. The Tribunal shall not proceed with a substantive hearing that cannot provide adequate audio-visual participation to all parties.
Awards and orders may bear digital signatures under the Information Technology Act, 2000, with the same legal force as wet-ink signatures.
Legal basis — Information Technology Act, 2000
FEAM shall publish and maintain a detailed ODR Handbook on its website, with step-by-step guidance for all ODR proceedings. (Forthcoming.)
Standard Rules applied to online proceedings
73.1Entire arbitrations may be conducted through FEAM's ODR platform. The FEAM ODR & Virtual Hearing Protocol (Schedule G) governs all ODR proceedings.
73.2On a technical failure during an ODR hearing: (a) the Tribunal immediately suspends the hearing; (b) FEAM's technical support attempts resolution within 30 minutes; (c) if unresolved, the hearing is adjourned to a date within 7 days. The Tribunal shall not proceed with a substantive hearing that cannot provide adequate audio-visual participation to all parties.
71.1All filings, communications, evidence bundles, and procedural correspondence are by Digital Filing through FEAM's case management portal, except where physical filing is expressly permitted by FEAM on documented hardship grounds.
71.2The case management portal provides:
- Real-time e-filing with automated timestamping
- Simultaneous electronic service on all parties
- Secure document storage with access logs
- Integration with FEAM's virtual hearing platform
- Automated fee calculation and payment
- Status tracking
53.1Hearings may be in-person at an agreed venue, entirely virtual by video conference or other audio-visual means, or in hybrid format. The Tribunal decides the format after consulting the parties, with due regard to proportionality, cost, fairness, and the environmental impact of unnecessary travel.
53.2The Tribunal gives reasonable weight to minimising unnecessary travel and associated environmental impact, and commends virtual proceedings for all case-management and procedural hearings.
53.3Where virtual hearings are conducted, the FEAM ODR & Virtual Hearing Protocol (Schedule G) applies.
55.1On request and at the rates in Schedule I, FEAM provides AI-assisted real-time transcription for all virtual and in-person hearings, using FEAM's designated transcription technology.
55.2The Tribunal adopts the verified and corrected transcript as the official hearing record within 7 days. Parties have 5 days to propose corrections of manifest transcription errors; the Tribunal decides disputed corrections.
55.3The approved transcript forms part of the case record. No factual reliance may be placed on an unapproved transcript.
69.1At the first case-management conference or in Procedural Order No. 1, the Tribunal addresses information-security needs: encryption standards for digital communications; access controls for shared document repositories; protocols for sensitive commercial or personal data; and cybersecurity measures for virtual hearings.
69.2Where proceedings involve personal data subject to the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, the Tribunal issues appropriate directions for the handling, retention, and deletion of such data.
69.3A data breach affecting arbitration materials must be reported to the Tribunal, all other parties, and FEAM within 48 hours of discovery. The Tribunal may issue containment orders and draw adverse inferences from breaches caused by a party's negligence.
69.4FEAM maintains ISO 27001-equivalent information-security standards for all case files and digital platforms used in proceedings.
Legal basis — Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023
72.1FEAM may use AI-assisted tools for case scheduling, document management, hearing transcription, intelligent routing, and case analytics — for administrative and case-management purposes only, never as AI decision-making on any substantive matter.
72.2Parties, the Tribunal, secretaries, and experts may use generative AI as research and drafting assistants, subject to:
- Verification — a responsible human author reviews and verifies all AI-generated content and retains full professional responsibility.
- Disclosure — any submission or award materially incorporating generative AI includes a brief disclosure of the tool used and confirmation of independent verification.
- Citations — all citations must be verified against primary sources; AI-hallucinated or unverified citations are a material breach and may draw costs sanctions and professional referral.
- Privilege & confidentiality — no uploading of an opposing party's privileged materials, confidential documents, or witness statements to any third-party AI platform.
- Expert independence — an expert using AI remains personally responsible for all opinions and must be able to verify and explain them at cross-examination.
72.5Awards and procedural orders may be electronically signed under the Information Technology Act, 2000, with the same legal force as wet-ink signatures.
Legal basis — Information Technology Act, 2000
The Statutory Backbone
The laws that make online resolution binding
Information Technology Act, 2000
Underpins digital signatures on awards and procedural orders, giving them the same legal force as wet-ink signatures (Rules G.7, 72.5).
Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023
Governs the handling, retention, and deletion of personal data in proceedings, with tribunal directions and breach reporting (Rule 69).
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This page is for general informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Provisions reproduced from the FEAM Institutional Rules, Version 1.0 (2026) — Schedule G and Rules 53, 55, 69, 71, 72 and 73. In the event of any discrepancy, the full text of the FEAM Institutional Rules governs.