Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) has emerged as a critical mechanism for strengthening justice delivery systems in both national and international legal frameworks. In the contemporary era, courts across jurisdictions face mounting challenges in the form of case backlogs, procedural delays, high litigation costs, and declining public confidence. These challenges directly affect the realization of the rule of law and the effectiveness of good governance. Against this background, ADR has gained recognition as a complementary mechanism capable of enhancing access to justice, efficiency, and institutional accountability. This article undertakes a comparative international study of the relationship between ADR, the rule of law, and good governance, with a particular focus on national legal systems and international dispute resolution frameworks.

The article examines how ADR mechanisms such as arbitration, mediation, conciliation, and negotiation contribute to the core principles of the rule of law, including legal certainty, fairness, equality before law, and effective dispute resolution. It further analyses the role of ADR in promoting good governance by improving administrative efficiency, reducing judicial burden, encouraging participatory justice, and strengthening public trust in legal institutions. The study explores international legal instruments such as the UNCITRAL Model Laws, the New York Convention, and the Singapore Convention on Mediation, alongside national frameworks, with particular reference to India and selected foreign jurisdictions.