The Supreme Court of India has recently clarified the scope of the 'group of companies' doctrine in arbitration proceedings. Background: The case originated from a dispute between two companies belonging to the same group, which led to the initiation of arbitration proceedings. Parties: The respondent company argued that the arbitration agreement was binding on all companies within the group, while the appellant company contended that the agreement was limited to the specific parties that had signed it. Legal issues: The court examined the applicability of the 'group of companies' doctrine, focusing on the principles of contract law and the intent of the parties. Court observations: The Supreme Court observed that the doctrine of 'group of companies' is a flexible concept that depends on the specific circumstances of each case, and its applicability must be determined by examining the language of the arbitration agreement and the conduct of the parties. Significance: This judgment has significant implications for arbitration proceedings in India, as it provides clarity on the scope of the 'group of companies' doctrine and the factors that determine its applicability.