Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal Suggests Revisiting Section 34 of Arbitration Act to Strengthen Arbitration Framework in India

Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal, speaking at a recent legal forum, suggested that India must reconsider Section 34 of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996, which allows courts to set aside arbitral awards. He noted that while judicial oversight is important to ensure fairness, excessive interference has undermined the efficiency of arbitration in India. Repeated challenges to awards under Section 34 have led to prolonged delays, defeating arbitration’s purpose of speedy and final resolution. Meghwal stressed that India must align its arbitration law with international best practices to position itself as a global hub for dispute resolution. He hinted that reforming Section 34 could prevent parties from misusing judicial review as a delaying tactic, while preserving safeguards against fraud, bias, or procedural irregularities. The remarks underscore the government’s broader agenda to modernize the legal framework for commercial dispute resolution. Revisiting Section 34 is expected to encourage confidence among investors and businesses, promoting arbitration as a viable alternative to traditional litigation.