🔍 What Happened

The Supreme Court of India clarified that in arbitration cases, the process officially begins when the respondent receives a notice invoking the arbitration clause — not when the arbitrator is appointed.

🧾 Summary

In a significant clarification on arbitration law, the Supreme Court held that arbitral proceedings commence on receipt of the arbitration notice by the other party, not on the appointment of an arbitrator. This interpretation helps determine timelines for applications like interim relief and limitation periods, making it clearer for parties when their rights and responsibilities under the Arbitration and Conciliation Act begin. The judgment came as part of a batch of cases the Court dealt with on 7 January, impacting procedural aspects of arbitration and commercial disputes. This clarity is useful for companies and individuals engaged in contract disputes that involve arbitration clauses, as it affects deadlines for applications under Sections 9, 17 or challenges under Sections 34/37 of the Act.

🟢 Public Takeaway

If you’re entering arbitration, know that the legal clock starts ticking once the arbitration notice is received — not when an arbitrator is named.