Computation of Limitation and Valid Service of Arbitral Awards on Parties Under Section 34

sketch of the Bombay High Court
Case
Shipping Corporation of India v. Chugoku Marine Paints S PTE Ltd (Bombay High Court, 06-10-2026)
Law
Arbitration and Conciliation Act, Limitation Act.

Highlights of the Judgment:

  • Detailed examination of the commencement of the limitation period under Section 34(3) of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996.
  • Analysis of whether Section 4 of the Limitation Act, 1963 applies to the 30-day extendable period.
  • Application of Supreme Court precedents regarding the mandatory requirement of delivering a signed copy of the award directly to the party under Section 31(5).
  • Interpretation of the definition of "party" under Section 2(h) excluding advocates or agents for valid service.
  • Evaluation of the legal consequences when an arbitral award is served on counsel instead of the litigant directly.