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International Journal of Innovations & Research Analysis (IJIRA) [ Vol. 6 | No. 3(I) | July - September, 2026 ]

Challenges to Arbitral Awards Under Section 34 of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act: Issues, Interpretations, and Judicial Trends

Mr. Shivam Jasra

The only principal statutory mechanism available to a party against whom an Award is passed in an Arbitration Proceedings is to challenge the said award under Section 34 of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996. The provision which was perceived to be a rare and extraordinary relief, now stands out as the most litigious issue which causes substantial delays in the arbitral process as against the mandate of the arbitration law itself. This research paper scrutinizes the Legislations and the intent behind it and the Hon’ble Apex Court’s and interpretations of Section 34 of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996 with a clear reference to the grounds enunciated in the provision itself such as public policy, patent illegality, lack of jurisdiction, procedural unfairness, and violation of natural justice. This paper also narrates how the judiciary while expanding and then restricting the standards of “public policy” and “patent illegality” has swayed the award-challenge terrain. By analysing copiously the cited precedents and major amendments in legislation in the year 2015, 2019, and 2021 which shaped Section 34 and the subsequent judicial effort to confine the intervention strictly to the grounds, this research paper attempts to determine if the ongoing system and practices has fully achieved its objective.

Jasra, S. (2026). Challenges to Arbitral Awards Under Section 34 of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act: Issues, Interpretations, and Judicial Trends. International Journal of Innovations & Research Analysis, 06(03(I)), 185–193. https://doi.org/10.62823/IJIRA/06.3(I).9399
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DOI:

Article DOI: 10.62823/IJIRA/06.3(I).9399

DOI URL: https://doi.org/10.62823/IJIRA/06.3(I).9399

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