Last Updated: August 2026 | Global Vision Law Firm — New Delhi | 5 min read
📌 Quick Summary
The MSME ODR Portal at odr.msme.gov.in — launched June 27, 2025 — is now India’s only platform for filing new delayed payment cases by Micro and Small Enterprises. Since October 15, 2025, the Samadhaan portal no longer accepts fresh filings and redirects all new applicants to the ODR portal. The process is fully digital, free at the initial stage, and the government reimburses up to ₹4,000 in filing costs. You must have a valid Udyam Registration to file.
What Is the MSME ODR Portal?
The MSME Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) Portal is a government-backed digital platform developed under the MSE Scheme on Online Dispute Resolution for Delayed Payments. It enables Micro and Small Enterprises to recover delayed payments from buyers through a two-stage process — voluntary online negotiation first, followed by formal MSEFC arbitration if the buyer does not cooperate.
The portal replaces the earlier Samadhaan Portal for all new filings. If you try filing on Samadhaan today, it will redirect you to the ODR portal.
Who Can File — Eligibility
✅ Micro Enterprises — Investment up to ₹1 crore + Turnover up to ₹5 crore ✅ Small Enterprises — Investment up to ₹10 crore + Turnover up to ₹50 crore ✅ Must have a valid Udyam Registration Certificate
❌ Medium Enterprises cannot file delayed payment cases under the MSMED Act ❌ Unregistered enterprises without Udyam registration are not eligible
The 45-day MSME rule: Under Section 15 of the MSMED Act 2006, buyers must pay MSEs within 45 days of accepting goods or services (or within the agreed period — subject to a maximum of 45 days). If unpaid after 45 days — compound interest at 3x the RBI bank rate accrues automatically from the due date.
Documents Required Before Filing
Gather these before you start:
✅ Udyam Registration Certificate ✅ All unpaid invoices — with invoice number, date, amount, due date ✅ Purchase orders or written agreements with the buyer ✅ Delivery challans or proof of service completion ✅ Bank statement showing payment not received ✅ Any prior demand letters or communications with the buyer
Step-by-Step: How to File on the MSME ODR Portal
Step 1 — Visit odr.msme.gov.in Go to the official portal. This is the only platform accepting new delayed payment filings since October 15, 2025.
Step 2 — Create Your E-Login Register using your Udyam number as User ID. The portal auto-verifies and populates your enterprise details from the Udyam database — no manual re-entry needed.
Step 3 — Select “File New Dispute” Enter buyer details: company name, registered address, and contact information.
Step 4 — Fill Your Claim Details Provide invoice-wise breakdown — invoice number, date, amount, payment due date. The portal assists with interest calculation at 3x RBI bank rate. Upload all supporting documents.
Step 5 — Submit and Receive Acknowledgement The portal generates a unique Case/Diary Number for tracking. The buyer receives an automated notice. The DGP (Digital Gateway Process) stage begins — a 15-day voluntary pre-MSEFC negotiation window (extendable to 30 days with both parties’ consent).
Step 6 — DGP Stage: What Happens Next This is the pre-MSEFC online conciliation phase. The buyer can log in, file a brief reply, and both parties attempt online settlement. If resolved — the settlement agreement is executed digitally. If not resolved within 30 days — the case is automatically referred to the MSEFC.
Step 7 — MSEFC Proceedings Under the MSMED Amendment 2026 (passed August 7, 2026), the MSEFC must complete mediation within 90 days, refer to arbitration within 30 days, and pass the award within 90 days — a maximum total of approximately 7 months. Awards can now be enforced through the District Collector as land revenue — significantly faster than civil court execution.
How to check case status: Log in to odr.msme.gov.in with your Udyam number → Dashboard → Case Status. You can also track legacy Samadhaan cases at samadhaan.msme.gov.in.
ODR vs ADR — The Key Difference
ADR (Alternative Dispute Resolution) is the broad category — negotiation, mediation, conciliation, and arbitration conducted outside courts.
ODR (Online Dispute Resolution) is ADR conducted entirely through digital platforms. The MSME ODR portal makes the entire MSEFC process paperless — filing, notices, hearings, and award execution all happen online.
The four main types of dispute resolution: negotiation, mediation, conciliation, and arbitration. The MSME ODR portal uses all four in sequence.
What Is the Sama ODR Platform?
Sama is a private ODR provider in India — not the MSME government portal. The government MSME ODR portal is at odr.msme.gov.in — launched by the Ministry of MSME. Sama and similar private ODR platforms are separate entities used for commercial contracts that specify private ODR. For MSME delayed payment recovery under the MSMED Act — always use the government portal.
When You Need a Lawyer
The ODR portal is designed to be self-service for straightforward unpaid invoice cases. However, you need legal support when:
- The buyer raises a false pre-existing dispute to defeat your application
- The buyer challenges the MSEFC award before NCLT or High Court
- Your claim exceeds ₹1 crore — the IBC Section 9 route may be faster
- The buyer is a government entity or PSU — additional procedural requirements apply
Our MSME Payment Recovery Lawyers in India and Best MSME Lawyers in Delhi handle the complete MSME recovery spectrum — from ODR portal filing through MSEFC proceedings, award enforcement, and IBC Section 9 petitions.
📞 +91 9599801188 | globalvisionlawoffice@gmail.com | M-3 Gupta Tower, Azadpur, Delhi
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Quick FAQs
What is the time limit for filing an MSME case?
The MSMED Act does not specify a limitation period for MSEFC filings — but general limitation principles suggest acting within 3 years of the cause of action. File as soon as payment is overdue.
What is the new MSME rule (2026)?
The MSMED Amendment Bill 2026 (passed August 7, 2026) mandated strict timelines: 90-day mediation, 30-day arbitration referral, 90-day award — plus 50% mandatory payment if a set-aside challenge is pending over 6 months, and District Collector enforcement of awards.
Who is not eligible for MSME ODR?
Medium enterprises, unregistered enterprises (without Udyam), and buyers (the portal is for suppliers/sellers only).
What does MSE ODR mean?
MSE ODR stands for Micro and Small Enterprise Online Dispute Resolution — the government scheme enabling digital filing and resolution of delayed payment disputes under the MSMED Act.
