S.BALACHANDRAN vs M/S RAMANIYAM REAL ESTATES LTD.

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) of the Act, is the appropriate forum for setting aside an arbitration award. The Court noted conflicting interpretations from previous judgments, including National Aluminium Co. Ltd. Vs. Pressteel & Fabrications (P) Ltd. and Jindal Vijaynagar Steel (JSW Steel Ltd.) Vs. 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 matter.