It’s about power, trust, and who gets to decide justice in private rooms, not courtrooms. Former SC Judge AK Sikri dropped a truth bomb: You can’t regulate arbitrators the same way you regulate Supreme or High Court judges. Why? Because judges are part of the state machinery; they’re bound by constitutional duties, ethics, and public accountability. Arbitrators? They’re hired by parties, often with no formal oversight. But here’s the twist: Some lawyers argue that if arbitrators are making binding decisions affecting millions; shouldn’t they face similar discipline for bias, delays, or unethical behavior? After all, a lawyer can be struck off for misconduct. An arbitrator? Not always. The real stakes? Party autonomy vs. public trust. Too much regulation smothers arbitration’s flexibility. Too little, and it risks becoming a playground for the powerful. As arbitration grows more complex; especially in cross-border deals; the line between private justice and public accountability is blurring. And that’s where the real fight begins.