Ajay Bhargava
Updates
Arbitration & ADR
Determining arbitrability of disputes is courts' prerogative
India | 28 January 2021The Delhi High Court recently granted an anti-arbitration injunction in relation to an arbitration invoked in accordance with the terms of a family trust deed, which provided for arbitration to be governed under the aegis of the International Chamber of Commerce, by holding that disputes in relation to trusts are non-arbitrable. The court ruled that it is the prerogative of the courts (and not arbitral tribunals) to determine the arbitrability of a dispute, notwithstanding the competence-competence principle.
Conundrum of accord and satisfaction when appointing arbitral tribunals
India | 14 January 2021There are several ways in which parties can discharge their contractual obligations – for example, the doctrine of accord and satisfaction. The jurisprudence surrounding this doctrine encompasses contract law, tort law and, more recently, arbitration law, bringing to the fore the issues of whether an arbitration clause in an original contract survives in the substituted settlement and whether an arbitrable dispute exists for the purposes of the appointment of an arbitrator by the courts.
Costs regime under Arbitration and Conciliation Act
India | 15 October 2020Arbitration evolved as an expeditious, cost-effective, simple and fair alternative to litigation. However, over time, it became costly. Coupled with largely ineffective provisions regarding costs allocation and recoverability, this was considered a roadblock to the development of arbitration in India. Section 31A of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, which was introduced in 2015, was thus a welcome step towards costs recoverability being based on rational and realistic criteria.
Supreme Court refuses foreign award enforcement – return of public policy challenge
India | 21 May 2020The Supreme Court recently refused enforcement of a foreign award on the basis that it was contrary to the fundamental public policy of India. Although a recent decision, the dispute arose almost 40 years ago and thus pertains to an era which preceded the amendment of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act. In its decision, the court analysed the concept of public policy and the difference between contingent contracts and frustration as a principle for voidability of contracts under the Contract Act.
Determining applicable law: role of arbitral tribunals
India | 14 May 2020If the parties to a contract fail to choose the applicable law, the task trickles down to the arbitral tribunal. This will be one of the first tasks required of an arbitral tribunal, as adjudication of a dispute is not possible until the applicable law has been determined. Further, the application of an incorrect law is a ground for setting aside an arbitral award. This article examines the role of an arbitral tribunal in determining the applicable law in arbitration proceedings.
Enforcement of interim orders passed by arbitral tribunals seated outside India
India | 12 March 2020Following the passing of amendments in 2015, the Arbitration and Conciliation Act specifically provides that arbitral tribunal orders which are passed under Section 17 of the act will be enforceable under the Code of Civil Procedure as if they were a court order. However, a party can take advantage of Section 17 only when the arbitration is seated in India, which raises questions as to the enforceability of interim measures granted by arbitral tribunals which are situated outside India.
Award replacing contractual provisions with new terms "shocks the conscience" of Supreme Court
India | 20 June 2019The question of whether a contract can be amended retroactively was raised in the arbitration proceedings between Ssangyong and the National Highways Authority of India. The Supreme Court's ruling on the case is a welcome exposition on the contours of Section 34 of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, especially in relation to challenges on grounds of violations of principles of natural justice.
Clarity in arbitral proceedings – legislation post-pronouncement of arbitral award
India | 07 February 2019The focus of India's rapidly evolving arbitration regime appears to be concentrated on factors such as ensuring that arbitrations are completed in a timely manner and appointed arbitrators are impartial. While these factors are significant, the importance of substantive and procedural clarity in terms of what happens after an award is passed is also crucial.
Non-signatory to arbitration: right to appeal under Section 37
India | 18 October 2018The Bombay High Court recently issued a landmark ruling regarding third parties' right to challenge interim measures granted by an arbitral tribunal under the Arbitration and Conciliation Act. The ruling is a welcome reprieve for non-signatories to arbitration proceedings in situations where disputes between arbitrating parties have a bearing on their rights and interests, as well as a step towards balancing innocent parties' interests.
Ambiguities in applicability of Arbitration Amendment Act 2015
India | 18 August 2016India's arbitration law was transformed in several key respects when the Arbitration and Conciliation (Amendment) Act 2015 came into force. However, despite the visionary changes introduced by the act, it is vague in both applicability and scope, which has led various courts to reach different conclusions about its applicability. Until these issues are resolved, the act cannot be hailed as a game changer for the Indian arbitral regime.
Implied exclusion of Part 1 of Arbitration and Conciliation Act – tips and strategies
India | 25 June 2015The courts continue to retain jurisdiction over pre-BALCO arbitration agreements under the Bhatia International regime. However, theories of expressed and implied exclusions have been carved out to bar the application of Part I of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act 1996. That said, unless the courts provide further clarity, implied exclusion of Part I does not apply to two Indian parties which have agreed to foreign-seated arbitration.
Claims for compound interest in arbitral proceedings now sustainable
India | 22 January 2015A transaction culminating in arbitral proceedings often creates questions regarding the scope and power of an arbitral tribunal to grant relief to a successful party. A question that often arises when arbitral awards are made is whether further interest can be imposed on an awarded sum. In other words, can interest be awarded on interest? The Supreme Court recently ruled that such claims for compound interest are sustainable.
