Court cannot re-examine the evidence and reasonableness of the reasons given by Arbitrator since, the parties have themselves selected the forum then such forum must be conceded with the power of appraisement of evidence – Union of India Vs. Besco Ltd. (Wagon Division) – Delhi High Court
Hon’ble High Court held that:
(i) It is settled law that the ground of Patent illegality gives way to setting aside an Arbitral Award with a very minimal scope of intervention. A party cannot simply raise an objection on the ground of patent illegality if the Award is against them.
(ii) The reasoning of learned Sole Arbitrator is logical and all the material and evidence were taken note of by Learned Sole Arbitrator and this Court cannot substitute its own evaluation of conclusion of law or fact to conclude other than that of learned Sole Arbitrator.
(iii) As per the judgment in Reliance Infrastructure Ltd. v. State of Goa (2023) ibclaw.in 66 SC, the Hon’ble Supreme Court has settled the law on the limited grounds of challenge of Section 34 of the Act, 1996. The Court cannot re-examine the evidence and reasonableness of the reasons given by the Arbitrator since, the parties have themselves selected the forum then such forum must be conceded with the power of appraisement of evidence. The Arbitrator is the master of facts and law and has the jurisdiction and authority to decide the issue at hand and if the Tribunal has reached a conclusion after considering all the material on record.