By an order dated 22 April 2026, the Supreme Court of India has dismissed the Special Leave Petition in Gokul Patnaik v. Nine Rivers Capital Limited & Ors., SLP(C) No. 21109 of 2025. The petition arose from a Delhi High Court judgment that recognized the enforceability of a foreign arbitral award administered by the Singapore International Arbitration Centre (SIAC) and seated in Singapore. The award had previously been upheld by the Singapore International Commercial Court.
The Supreme Court of India found no legal error warranting interference and upheld the Delhi High Court’s decision. This ruling reaffirms the consistent stance under Indian law that the enforceability of foreign arbitral awards can only be challenged in exceptional circumstances. From a practical standpoint, the decision enhances legal certainty for foreign businesses and investors, particularly in supporting the enforceability of put options in cross-border transactions.
Nishith Desai Associates team comprising Mr. Viral Mehta, Mr. Mohammad Kamran, Mr. Chitransh Vijayvergia, and Ms. Shruti Dhonde, successfully represented Nine Rivers in proceedings before the Supreme Court of India.
To access the order of the Supreme Court, please click here. To access the Impugned Order of the Delhi High Court, please click here.
Chitransh Vijayvergia, Shruti Dhonde, Mohammad Kamran and Viral Mehta
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