In Brief
This case concerns the interpretation of Section 26 of the Arbitration and Conciliation (Amendment) Act, 2015, and its scope of application. The Court held that the Amendment Act is prospective in nature and applies differently to arbitral proceedings and Court proceedings. Arbitral proceedings commenced before the Amendment Act continue under the old law unless parties agree otherwise, but Court proceedings in relation to arbitral proceedings are governed by the Amendment Act only if commenced after the Amendment Act's commencement. Importantly, Section 36 (on enforcement) applies to all Section 34 petitions, including those filed before the Amendment Act, because execution is procedural and gives rise to no vested rights in judgment debtors. The appeals were dismissed.
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