Singapore High Court Provides Guidance On Stays Of Arbitral Proceedings

A recent decision of the Singapore High Court has clarified the circumstances in which it will order a stay of arbitral proceedings pending a challenge to the tribunal's jurisdiction.

By way of background, a tribunal in a Singapore-seated arbitration is empowered to rule on its own jurisdiction. If a tribunal rules that it has no jurisdiction (at any stage of the proceedings) or that it has jurisdiction (on a plea as a preliminary question), the International Arbitration Act (the "Act") permits any of the parties to apply to the High Court to determine the matter. International Arbitration Act (Cap 143A), section 10(3).

Section 10(9) of the Act provides that any such...