Twelve-Month Period For Arbitral Award Begins From Completion Of Pleadings, Not Statement Of Defense: Delhi High Court

The Delhi High Court ruled that the twelve-month period for delivering an arbitral award begins from the completion of pleadings rather than the statement of defense. This decision provides clarity on the timeline for arbitral proceedings, ensuring that the clock starts ticking only after all pleadings are complete, thus offering a fair period for the arbitration process and preventing undue delays.