Delhi High Court Upholds Arbitral Award Of About ₹229.5 Crores Against NHAI As 'Termination Payment'

The Delhi High Court has upheld an arbitral award of approximately ₹229.5 crores against NHAI (National Highways Authority of India) as "termination payment." The court dismissed NHAI's challenge to the award, which directed the authority to deposit the substantial amount into an escrow account along with interest and costs. This ruling reinforces the sanctity of arbitral awards, particularly in large infrastructure projects, and signals the court's reluctance to interfere unless there are grave legal infirmities, thereby promoting alternative dispute resolution mechanisms.