Ineligibility Of Arbitrator Cannot Be Challenged First Time Under Section 34 Of Arbitration Act: Madras High Court

The Madras High Court ruled that the eligibility of an arbitrator cannot be challenged for the first time under Section 34 of the Arbitration Act. The case concerned a dispute where a party sought to challenge the appointment of an arbitrator after the award was passed. The Court held that the time to raise objections about an arbitrator’s eligibility was during the arbitration process, not after the award had been made. This ruling emphasizes the importance of addressing concerns about an arbitrator's impartiality or eligibility at the earliest stage to avoid delays and ensure fairness in arbitration proceedings.