SECRETARY TO THE GOVT. OF ORISSA & ANR. vs SARBESWAR ROUT

The Supreme Court addressed the issue of an arbitrator's power to grant interest under the Arbitration Act, 1940, specifically Sections 30, 33, and 39. The Court held that arbitration proceedings commence when the arbitrator indicates willingness to act, which in this case was on April 20, 1982, when the arbitrator directed parties to submit claims. The Court partly allowed the appeal, affirming the award of interest for the period prior to this date but excluding interest awarded for the period thereafter, as it was deemed beyond the arbitrator's jurisdiction.