S. 33 Arbitration Act | Clarification On Award Can Be Issued Even After Arbitral Tribunal Becomes Functus Officio : Supreme Court

The Supreme Court ruled that the right to protect private property cannot be dismissed solely because of delay, as long as the delay does not cause undue harm to public interests. In a case of land acquisition, the Court condoned a 21-year delay, emphasizing that laches (unreasonable delay in asserting a right) could not override the fundamental right to property. The decision balanced individual property rights with the need for timely state action in land acquisition matters, ensuring justice for affected parties despite the extended delay.