Resolution, wherever the parties are.
FEAM is a digital-first institution. Its Online Dispute Resolution channel is built to run an entire arbitration or mediation online — filing, hearings, case management, and the award — so a dispute can be resolved without either party leaving their desk.
Not a video call bolted onto a paper process
Online Dispute Resolution at FEAM is not simply a hearing held over video. It is a proceeding designed to be digital from filing to award: documents are filed and served electronically, the tribunal is appointed and manages the case through a secure portal, hearings are conducted to defined technical standards, and the award is issued and signed electronically.
An entire arbitration may be conducted this way, governed by FEAM's ODR & Virtual Hearing Protocol. The result is faster, more accessible, and lighter on cost and travel — without sacrificing the fairness and structure of institutional resolution.
Governed by one protocol
Built for how disputes actually move
ODR removes the friction that slows institutional resolution — geography, travel, and paper — while keeping everything that makes it credible.
From anywhere
Parties, counsel, and the tribunal join from wherever they are — no seat is out of reach.
Faster & leaner
No travel, no logistics, and digital filing with automated timestamping keep matters moving.
Lighter footprint
The rules weigh the environmental cost of unnecessary travel, and commend virtual case-management hearings.
Auditable by design
Encrypted document storage, access logs, and controlled recording protect the integrity of every matter.
An online matter, end to end
The same four stages as any FEAM proceeding — conducted online, under Schedule G.
File online
Submit the notice and documents through FEAM's case management portal, served electronically on all parties.
Appointment
An arbitrator or mediator is appointed under the applicable rules and manages the case digitally.
Online proceedings
Hearings run by video to defined technical standards, with FEAM technical support on hand throughout.
Electronic award
The award or settlement is issued and digitally signed, with the same legal force as a wet-ink signature.
What the platform is built to do
FEAM's ODR is designed around a single case management portal that carries a matter from filing to award. Under the Rules, the portal provides:
Clear standards, real support
FEAM's protocol sets out exactly what an online hearing requires of participants — and what happens if the technology falters.
What each participant needs
- Join from a private, quiet location
- A stable internet connection of at least 10 Mbps
- Camera on at all times, with a visible display name
- Microphone muted when not speaking
- A backup device or phone connection ready
- No recording without the tribunal's prior written approval
If the technology fails
FEAM's technical support team is on hand throughout every scheduled ODR hearing. If a technical failure occurs, the hearing is suspended for up to 30 minutes while it's resolved; if it can't be, the matter is adjourned to a date within seven days.
A tribunal will never proceed with a substantive hearing that cannot give every party adequate audio-visual participation.
Digital, and fully enforceable
Nothing about resolving a dispute online reduces its legal weight.
Electronic awards
Awards and orders may bear digital signatures under the Information Technology Act, 2000, carrying the same legal force as wet-ink signatures.
Accepted filing formats
PDF (primary), DOCX, XLSX, and MP4 / MP3 recordings, up to 50 MB per file. Larger files are shared through a secure link.
Hearing record
AI transcription may be enabled; the tribunal adopts the official record within seven days, with the parties' correction input.
Resolve a dispute online, from anywhere
Talk to FEAM about running your arbitration or mediation as an online proceeding, or refer a dispute to FEAM's ODR channel. A detailed ODR Handbook with step-by-step guidance is being prepared.
This page is for general informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. FEAM's Online Dispute Resolution is governed by the FEAM ODR & Virtual Hearing Protocol (Schedule G) and the FEAM Institutional Rules. Platform capabilities are described as provided for under the Rules.