Synopsis

The Supreme Court of India, in its judgment dated 2026, settled a significant controversy regarding the appropriate forum for filing applications under Section 29A(4) of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996, for extension of time to complete arbitral proceedings. The Court held that irrespective of whether the arbitral tribunal was constituted by the High Court under Section 11(6) or by the parties under Section 11(2), the application for extension must be filed before the "Court" as defined under Section 2(1)(e) of the Act, i.e., the principal Civil Court of original jurisdiction or the High Court exercising ordinary original civil jurisdiction. The judgment overrules the view that a distinction based on the appointing authority creates separate jurisdictional avenues.

1. Basic Information of the Judgment

Case Title: Jagdeep Chowgule vs. Sheela Chowgule & Ors.

Citation: 2026 INSC 92

Court: Supreme Court of India

Coram: Justice Pamidighantam Sri Narasimha and Justice R. Mahadevan

Nature of Bench: Division Bench (not a Constitutional Bench)

Civil Appeal No.: Arising out of SLP (C) Nos. 10944-10945 of 2025

2. Legal Framework

• Governing Statute: The Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996.

• Key Provisions Interpreted:
  Section 2(1)(e) – Definition of "Court."
  Section 11 – Appoint

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