UNION OF INDIA Vs. SUDHIR TYAGI

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This petition under Article 227 of the Constitution of India impugns the order dtd. 25/10/2024, passed by the learned District Judge in Ex. 55/2017, titled 'Sudhir Tyagi Vs. Union of India.'

(2.) At the core, the issue is whether the expression 'unless the award otherwise directs' in Sec. 31(7)(b) of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996 ['the Act'], relates to rate of interest and not entitlement of interest.

(3.) Shorn of all the unnecessary details, the relevant facts are that petitioner No. 1 i.e., Northern Railway, awarded contractual work to the respondent, but due to certain disputes, respondent invoked the arbitration clause of the agreement. The High Court, vide order dtd. 16/11/2012, appointed a sole arbitrator.