STATE OF ORISSA vs NIRANJAN SWAIN

The Supreme Court held that the absence of reasons in an arbitration award does not invalidate it unless required by the arbitration agreement or statute, citing Raipur Development Authority & Ors. v. M/s Chokhamal Contractors and Ors. The Court affirmed that while an arbitrator is a competent witness, the power to call him must be exercised cautiously. Furthermore, the Court ruled that an arbitrator lacks jurisdiction to grant interest for periods before the commencement of the Interest Act, 1978, as the reference was made prior to the Act's commencement.