S. 16 Arbitration Act | Challenge To Arbitral Tribunal's Jurisdiction Impermissible After Submitting Statement Of Defence : Supreme Court

The Supreme Court ruled that a challenge to an arbitral tribunal’s jurisdiction under Section 16 of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act is impermissible after submitting a statement of defense. The ruling clarifies that if a party participates in the arbitral process without objecting to the tribunal's jurisdiction, it cannot later raise such objections. The decision upholds the principle of estoppel, which prevents parties from taking contradictory positions. The Court emphasized the importance of timely objections to avoid unnecessary delays in arbitration proceedings. This ruling will help streamline arbitration processes and promote effective dispute resolution.