The Kerala High Court reinforced the strict limitation period applicable to challenges against arbitral awards under Section 34 of the Arbitration Act.

Ruling

Section 34(3) prescribes a strict limitation period of three months, with a maximum extension of 30 days. Section 5 of the Limitation Act, which allows courts to condone delay, is not applicable to arbitration proceedings under Section 34. The Arbitration Act is a self-contained code.