Additional Evidence Can Only Be Allowed In Exceptional Circumstances While Deciding Plea U/S 34 Of Arbitration Act: Chhattisgarh HC

The Chhattisgarh High Court ruled that additional evidence not forming part of the arbitral record can be allowed only in exceptional circumstances while deciding a petition under Section 34 of the Arbitration Act. The case concerned an attempt to introduce new evidence during the review of an arbitral award, which was not part of the original proceedings. The court emphasized that while additional evidence may be considered in specific circumstances, the general rule is that only the material presented during arbitration should be reviewed. This ruling reinforces the principle of finality in arbitration and limits the scope of judicial intervention in arbitration awards.