Delhi high court rules arbitration statute restricts endless presentation of proof

The Delhi High Court has ruled that Section 18 does not permit parties to submit unlimited evidence during arbitration proceedings. The court addressed attempts by litigants to prolong arbitration hearings through endless evidentiary requests, balancing procedural equality with the need for expeditious dispute resolution. Section 18 of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act mandates that parties be treated with equality and given a full opportunity to present their case.

However, courts have interpreted this provision to mean a fair opportunity, not an unbridled license to drag proceedings with repetitive or excessive evidence. This ruling prevents parties from exploiting statutory equal-treatment clauses to delay arbitral awards. Arbitration lawyers and corporate legal counsels must streamline their evidence-gathering strategies and present concise, relevant documentation rather than voluminous filings.

Practitioners should track judicial interpretations of arbitral procedure to advise clients accurately. Bottom line: efficient case management and targeted evidence presentation prevent procedural delays and contain arbitration costs.