Supreme Court dismisses Percept's appeal against ₹14.49 crore arbitral award to Sourav Ganguly

The Supreme Court on Monday refused to entertain an appeal filed by Percept Talent Management challenging a Calcutta High Court judgment that upheld a ₹14.49 crore arbitral award in favour of former Indian cricket captain Sourav Ganguly [Percept Talent Management Limited and Anr. v Sourav Chandidas Ganguly].

The dispute arose from a 2003 Player Representation Agreement between Ganguly and Percept concerning the management of his commercial and endorsement engagements.

The matter was heard by a Bench comprising Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice V Mohana.

During the hearing, Justice Bagchi questioned Percept's attempt to bring Ganguly's activities related to Indian Premier League team Kolkata Knight Riders within the agreement's definition of promotional activities.

The judge flagged the company's position before the arbitral tribunal.

“If that is how you interpreted the KKR promotional activities before the arbitrator, how can we allow you to come and argue before us that the definition of promotional activity must be seen in terms of the contract executed?” asked Justice Bagchi.

The observation came after Senior Advocate Nakul Dewan, appearing for Percept, argued that the agreement contained an all-encompassing clause covering promotional services, including those connected with cricket matches.

Justice Bagchi further observed that while Ganguly playing for KKR was one aspect; there was a separate aspect concerning his advertising activities.

“One part is your playing of cricket, but there is another significant part where you are advertising,” said Justice Bagchi.

The dispute between Sourav Ganguly and talent management firm Percept dates back to 2003, when Ganguly appointed the company as his exclusive manager for his commercial and endorsement deals.

The agreement guaranteed Ganguly a minimum payment and provided for the sharing of revenue from his commercial engagements. Percept terminated the agreement in November 2007, after Ganguly was omitted from the Indian cricket team for several months.

Ganguly challenged the termination, leading to arbitration proceedings. In 2018, a three-member arbitral tribunal ruled in his favour and directed Percept to pay him ₹14.49 crore, along with 12% annual interest and ₹50 lakh towards costs.

The tribunal also rejected Percept’s claim that money Ganguly earned from playing for Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League should be included in the revenue-sharing arrangement under the agreement.

Subsequently, Percept challenged the award before the Calcutta High Court. A single- judge rejected its challenge in July 2025. The company then appealed, but a Division Bench of the High Court dismissed the appeal in April 2026.

Percept then approached the Supreme Court challenging the High Court’s decision and the award in Ganguly’s favour.

During Monday' hearing, Dewan argued that the arbitral tribunal had failed to consider the relevant contractual provisions and evidence before concluding that Ganguly's earnings from his KKR playing contract fell outside the revenue-sharing arrangement.

He also submitted that a court exercising jurisdiction under Section 34 of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996 (permits courts to set aside an arbitral award on limited grounds) cannot re-appreciate evidence or reinterpret a contract merely because it prefers another interpretation.

The same limited scope of interference applies to a court exercising jurisdiction under Section 37 (provides for appeals against certain orders under the Act), it was submitted.

Dewan further referred to Ganguly's commercial arrangements with brands such as Hero Honda. He submitted that if Hero Honda sponsored KKR while also entering into a separate contract with Ganguly for his individual rights, the latter arrangement would be covered by the agreement with Percept.

The Court, however, refused to entertain the appeal.

Senior Advocate Nakul Dewan appeared for Percept Talent Management Limited.

Senior Advocate Gourab Banerji represented Sourav Ganguly.

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