Time period to challenge arbitral award starts when signed copy of the award is handed over to the party

Delivery of signed copy to the party is a material fact that triggers the time limit under Section 34 of the Arbitration & Conciliation Act, 1996. When a copy of the signed Award is not delivered to the party himself, it would not amount to compliance with the provisions of Section 31(5) of the Act.

SPECIAL LEAVE PETITION (CIVIL) No. 23860 of 2010
dated 21.9.2012 (Supreme Court)