SIAC PPOs And Nepalese Arbitration: Innovation Meets Procedural Tension

On 1 January 2025, SIAC implemented the Singapore International Arbitration Centre Rules 2025 ("SIAC Rules"), introducing a major enhancement to its emergency arbitration framework. The most notable innovation is the Protective Preliminary Order ("PPO"), which empowers an Emergency Arbitrator ("EA") to issue a short-term order on an ex parte basis before notifying the respondent, aimed at preventing conduct that could frustrate the purpose of the requested emergency relief.

While this reform strengthens the efficiency of emergency relief within international arbitration, it raises important procedural questions under Nepalese law, where notice, participation, and equality of treatment are fundamental elements of due process.