#Arbitral award enforcement

Without the requisite stamp duty, an arbitral award cannot be treated as a valid instrument for execution. The Delhi High Court also stayed any enforcement while a Section 34 challenge remains pending, leaving the award ineffective until the petition is finally decided. This restricts award holders and creditors from pursuing recovery until both stamp duty is paid and the petition is resolved.

Bombay High Court rules that interim relief under Section 9 of the Arbitration Act remains available even after a Section 34 challenge, but only if the applicant demonstrates concrete evidence of potential asset dissipation. The court permitted asset disclosure and deposit of the awarded amount to prevent award frustration, setting a precedent for post-award asset protection in arbitration disputes.