Allegations Of Fraudulent Signatures On Arbitration Agreements Must Be Decided By Arbitrator, Not Court Under Section 11: Calcutta High Court

The Calcutta High Court has determined that allegations of fraudulent signatures on arbitration agreements should be resolved by the arbitrator rather than the court under Section 11 of the Arbitration Act. The ruling underscores the principle that disputes related to the validity of arbitration agreements, including issues of fraud, fall within the jurisdiction of the arbitrator appointed to handle the arbitration process. This decision highlights the Court's role in delineating the boundaries between judicial oversight and arbitration proceedings, ensuring that arbitration remains an effective and autonomous mechanism for resolving disputes.