Name
Palak Rohila
Name of the Organisation
Department of Legal Affairs, Ministry Of Law And Justice, 4th Floor, A-Wing, Shastri Bhawan, New Delhi, Delhi 110001
Duration of Internship
April 1,2025 – April 30, 2025
How did you Apply?
I applied through Lawctopus.
First-Day Formalities, Infrastructure, and First Impression
The internship commenced with an induction program organized by the Department of Legal Affairs under the Ministry of Law and Justice.
We were introduced to the structure, functioning, and objectives of the department. After the orientation, interns were assigned to various officers.
I was paired with a co-intern named Kshipra, who was very supportive and cooperative throughout the internship. Our reporting officer was Mr. Avnit Singh Arora, Director of Arbitration and Conciliation.
The infrastructure was professional, and the work environment was encouraging, with a formal yet approachable culture.
Main Tasks
During the course of my internship, my primary responsibilities revolved around conducting in-depth legal research, reviewing legislative developments, and contributing to drafting work specifically related to the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996. Each week, I undertook a series of tasks aimed at enhancing both my theoretical understanding and practical application of arbitration law.
A significant portion of my work involved a detailed examination of Section 37 of the Act, which deals with appealable orders. I analyzed its scope, judicial interpretation, and evolving application in the context of recent Supreme Court rulings. This task enabled me to grasp the nuanced balance between judicial intervention and the autonomy of arbitral tribunals.
Additionally, I closely studied the draft amendment bill proposed to reform various provisions of the Act. I engaged in a clause-by-clause analysis to assess proposed changes related to institutional arbitration, procedural streamlining, and appointment mechanisms for arbitrators. My role also included preparing comprehensive reports summarizing these developments, along with policy recommendations aimed at improving the effectiveness and accessibility of India’s arbitration framework.
I further conducted case law research on recent landmark judgments delivered by the Supreme Court and various High Courts, identifying key trends and assessing their impact on the interpretation and enforcement of arbitration agreements and awards. These findings were compiled into structured briefs and shared with the research team.
Through this internship, I developed a solid foundation in arbitration law and gained valuable experience in legislative analysis, legal writing, and policy formulation. It significantly enhanced my ability to critically interpret legal texts and contribute meaningfully to ongoing reforms in dispute resolution mechanisms.
Work Environment
The Ministry fosters a disciplined yet collaborative atmosphere. My officer, Mr. Avnit Singh Arora Sir, was highly knowledgeable and encouraging, guiding me through complex issues in arbitration. The environment promoted learning—questions were welcomed, and interns were encouraged to contribute actively. I was given sufficient autonomy to conduct research and draft documents, while also receiving timely feedback and mentorship.
Good Things about the Internship
Throughout the course of the internship, I significantly strengthened my understanding of arbitration law while enhancing my analytical abilities, drafting proficiency, and presentation skills.
The experience encouraged me to think critically about the broader impact of legal reforms and sharpened my approach to evaluating legislative frameworks. It allowed me to apply theoretical knowledge to practical scenarios, engage in substantive legal research, and gain a deeper insight into policy-making processes.
This internship has been instrumental in bridging the gap between academic theory and practical application, particularly in the realm of arbitration law.
Bad Things about the Internship
Accommodation was not provided, which made daily commuting a bit hectic.
Additionally, offering a more competitive stipend would not only acknowledge the contributions of interns but also help attract talented and committed individuals. A fair remuneration structure can serve as both motivation and a reflection of the value placed on the interns’ work.
Monthly Stipend
Rs. 1000
Details about the Accommodation, Commuting to the Office
Accommodation was not provided. Many interns came from different cities or states, and arranging suitable accommodation was challenging and financially burdensome.
Anything else you want to share?
During my internship at the Ministry of Law and Justice, spending time in the cafeteria was both relaxing and enriching. It became a hub for informal legal discussions and cultural exchange among interns from across India.
I had the opportunity to interact with peers from Kerala, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar, gaining insights into their diverse legal perspectives and regional challenges. Interns from Kerala shared knowledge on progressive judgments and environmental laws, while those from UP and Bihar shed light on ground realities such as land disputes and caste-related cases.
These interactions enhanced my cross-cultural communication skills, deepened my appreciation for India’s legal diversity, and helped me build lasting professional connections.
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