Allahabad HC upholds arbitral award despite unproven cartel allegations in tender process.
Arbitral Award Stands Despite Anti-Competitive Allegations
The Allahabad High Court refused to set aside an arbitral award on grounds of alleged cartelization in a public tender, holding that mere suspicion or unsubstantiated allegations cannot vitiate a final award.
The Court applied the narrow grounds under Section 34 of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996, and held that unless fraud or public policy is conclusively proven, courts must uphold the finality of arbitration. Allegations of bid-rigging were not backed by investigation or evidence.
The decision reinforces minimal judicial interference in arbitral outcomes and protects the sanctity of private dispute resolution in public contracts.
