Madras HC Upholds ₹4 Crore Arbitral Award in Pro Volleyball League Dispute

In an order dated February 17, 2026, the Madras High Court upheld an arbitral award directing the Volleyball Federation of India (VFI) to pay ₹4 crore to Pro Volleyball League promoter Baseline Ventures.[1]

In 2018, VFI and Baseline Ventures entered into an agreement to organise a professional volleyball league for ten seasons. The first season was held in 2019. Following that season, VFI alleged that Baseline Ventures had deliberately reported losses of approximately ₹1.66 crore in the accounts to avoid sharing 50% of the net profits, as required under the agreement. VFI also objected to Baseline Ventures’ attempt to register the trademark for the name and logo of the Pro Volleyball League, considering it a breach of the contract. VFI subsequently issued a termination notice in November 2019, and the dispute was then referred to arbitration.

On November 21, 2020, the arbitrator awarded Baseline Ventures ₹4 crore for loss of profits with interest. The arbitrator also ordered Baseline Ventures to pay ₹1 lakh to VFI as damages for the wrongful attempt to register the trademark and logo, and to transfer the relevant intellectual property applications to VFI.

VFI challenged the award before the High Court. However, after examining the issues raised, the Court held that the arbitrator’s findings were plausible and did not warrant interference under Section 34 of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996.

Accordingly, the Court dismissed the petition and imposed costs of ₹2.5 lakh on VFI payable to Baseline Ventures.

[1] Volleyball Federation of India v. Baseline Ventures (India) Pvt. Ltd., Arb.O.P.(Com.Div.) No.175 of 2021