STATE OF WEST BENGAL vs ASSOCIATED CONTRACTORS

The Supreme Court referred the question of jurisdiction under Section 34 of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996 to a larger bench, clarifying that the Principal Civil Court, as defined in Section 2(e), is the appropriate forum to entertain applications for setting aside arbitration awards. The Court noted conflicting interpretations from previous judgments, including National Aluminium Co. Ltd. v. Pressteel & Fabrications (P) Ltd. and Jindal Vijaynagar Steel (JSW Steel Ltd.) v. Jindal Praxair Oxygen Co. Ltd., necessitating a definitive ruling. The interim order from the Calcutta High Court will remain in effect until the larger bench resolves the jurisdictional issue.