The increasing global emphasis on Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms such as arbitration and mediation reflect a shift towards more flexible, efficient, and consensual methods of resolving disputes. While ADR has gained prominence in commercial and civil litigation, its application in the highly regulated domains of insolvency and taxation remains a subject of significant legal and policy debate. This paper critically examines the complex interplay between party autonomy, a cornerstone of ADR, and the regulatory imperatives that govern insolvency and tax regimes both of which are deeply embedded in public interest considerations and subject to strict statutory frameworks.
Focusing on the regulatory tussle versus party autonomy, the paper explores the extent to which ADR mechanisms can be harmonized with statutory obligations and public policy concerns in these areas. Through a doctrinal and comparative methodology, it analyses the legal frameworks and judicial approaches across jurisdictions such as India, the United States, the United Kingdom, and the European Union. The paper evaluates how certain legal systems have cautiously integrated ADR into insolvency and tax dispute resolution, especially through court-annexed mediation, pre-packaged restructuring plans, and treaty-based mechanisms like Mutual Agreement Procedures.
Ultimately, the research argues for a calibrated and structured inclusion of ADR in these domains, proposing a normative framework that respects both regulatory oversight and the benefits of consensual dispute resolution. The paper concludes with practical recommendations for legislative and institutional reforms, judicial sensitization, and international cooperation to enhance the legitimacy and effectiveness of ADR in insolvency and tax-related disputes