(1.) The challenge in the present petition under Sec. 34 of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996 ("Arbitration Act") is to an Award dtd. 20/2/2024 (hereinafter referred to as the impugned award) passed in favour of the Respondent, whereby the Respondent was awarded a sum of Rs.28.00 crores along with interest of Rs.5,34,83,836.00 and legal expenses of Rs.30,00,000.00.
(2.) The Petitioner, Bajaj Finance Ltd., is a Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) registered with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). The Petitioner is engaged in the business of lending and financing, including offering Loan Against Securities (LAS) to individuals and entities.
(3.) The Respondent, Seetha Kumari, is an Indian citizen and stock trader who availed a loan facility from the Petitioner under a Loan Against Securities Agreement (LAS Agreement).