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Delhi High Court upholds enforcement of ICC Arbitration Award
In a judgment bound to comfort frayed nerves, the Delhi High Court (“Court”) in the case of Penn Racquet Sports (“Penn Racquet”) Vs. Mayor International Ltd. (“Mayor International”) (“Judgment”), recently dismissed a challenge to and
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upheld the enforcement of a foreign Award passed in an International Chamber of Commerce, Paris (“ICC”) arbitration write Vyapak Desai and Sahil Kanuga. |
Brief facts of the case: |
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Penn Racquet (a company based in Arizona, U.S.A.) entered into a trademark license agreement with Mayor International and granted Mayor International the license to use the “Penn” trademark in certain territories for certain products (including footballs, volleyballs and basketballs), for the period 01.01.2003 to 31.12.2005, for a royalty to be paid annually. A second trademark license agreement was thereafter executed for the period 01.01.2006 to 31.12.2009 (collectively “TLA’s”). Disputes arose between the parties under the TLA’s. Penn Racquet contended that Mayor International had failed to pay the royalty due and consequently, Penn Racquet terminated the TLA. Meanwhile, Mayor International contended that no royalty was payable as Penn Racquet had breached the provisions of the TLA’s by granting a license to a third party, one Nebus Loyalty Limited (who was, in fact, Mayor International’s own sub-licensee).
Accordingly, the dispute was referred to arbitration as both TLA’s contained an arbitration clause providing for the settlement of any dispute to be resolved by arbitration by ICC in accordance with the law of Austria. An independent arbitrator was appointed and an award was passed, inter alia, holding that (i) Penn Racquet had not breached the provisions of the TLA’s; and (ii) outstanding royalties alongwith interest and costs was payable by Mayor International to Penn Racquet (“Award”). Penn Racquet filed an execution petition before the Court seeking enforcement of the Award. Mayor International challenged the execution of the Award, inter alia, on the grounds that (i) the Award was contrary to the public policy of India; and (ii) they were unable to present their case (their counter claim was not considered).
Seeking to, inter alia, rely upon earlier judgments of the Supreme Court of India in Venture Global Engg. Vs. Satyam Computer Services Ltd and ONGC Ltd. Vs. Saw Pipes Ltd., Mayor International contended that a foreign award is also subject to challenge under Section 34 of the Act on the ground that award, being against the terms of contract, is patently illegal. Penn Racquet contended that the Award is not challenged by Mayor International either in Switzerland, or in India and relied upon the judgment of the Supreme Court passed in the case of Renusagar Power Co. Ltd. Vs. General Electric Co. which held that it is impermissible to assail a foreign award on merits. |
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Judgment:
The Court heard detailed arguments for and against the enforcement of the Award.
- Distinguishing between the concept of challenging the enforcement of a foreign award and a challenge to an award, the Court observed that the expression “public policy of India” carried a narrower meaning under Section 48 of the Arbitration & Conciliation Act, 1996 (‘the Act”) (which deals with enforcement of a foreign award), when compared to the meaning assigned under Section 34 (ii)(b)(which deals with the ground of challenge to an award). The Court observed that Award was, in fact, enforceable under the provisions of Chapter 1 Part II of the Act (i.e. as a New York Convention award).
- The Court further distinguished between proceedings under Section 34 and Section 48 and held that a foreign award, when final, can be challenged in the jurisdiction it is made and cannot be challenged in the Indian Courts like a domestic award.
- The Court also observed that even in the case of domestic awards, the Court would not interfere unless it could be shown that the interpretation (of the contract) was contrary to the contractual terms.
- The Court noted that in the instant case, being a foreign award (as defined under the Act) being governed by Austrian Law, the task of Mayor International (in challenging the enforcement) was even more onerous. Mayor International had not cited Austrian Law sought to be relied upon by them. The Court held that their attempt to interpret the contractual clause under Indian Law was not permissible.
- Observing that the interpretation sought to be given by Mayor International to the contract was not the only plausible one, even under Indian law, the Court relied upon judgments of the Supreme Court of India and held that enforcement of a foreign award could not be denied merely because the award was in contravention of the law of India. The Court reiterated that for an Indian court to deny recognition and enforcement of an award, it would need to be shown that a foreign award was contrary to (i) the fundamental policy of India; or (ii) interests of India, or justice or morality.
- Mere passing of a monetary award against an Indian entity on account of its commercial dealings would not make an award contrary to interests of India or justice or morality.
- Having agreed to refer disputes under the TLA’s to arbitration under the ICC rules, it was not open to Mayor International to claim that they were not able to present their case, when, in fact, their counter claim was left unconsidered upon their own failure to deposit ICC costs and fees of the arbitrator (as per the ICC rules).
Analysis & Comments:
By this judgment, it appears that the Court has adopted a hands-off policy from the challenge to an enforcement of a foreign award, unless it is shown that an adequate reason to interfere is brought to the attention of the court. The Court has reiterated that the obligation of the party seeking to challenge a foreign award is far more onerous than even challenging a domestic award. Further, the Court has reiterated that a foreign award will be recognized and enforced as a decree of a court, unless it falls within the exceptions provided.
Separately, there have been several instances where parties have agreed to refer disputes to various internationally reputed arbitration institutions and when disputes arise, one of the parties defaults on account of the high costs involved. This Judgment makes it amply clear that having agreed to refer to such an institution, such party cannot back down on the ground of high costs. If they do choose to not pay the costs/fees as per the rules of the agreed and chosen institution, it will be at their own risk to the consequences.
This Judgment will provide significant comfort, assurance and certainty to foreign award holders, who are seeking to have their award recognized and enforced in India.
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VYAPAK DESAI is a Partner & SAHIL KANUGA is a Senior Associate with Nishith Desai Associates.
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