AIRPORTS AUTHORITY OF INDIA Vs. ARTEFACT PROJECTS LTD.

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The petitioner (hereafter 'AAI') has filed the present petition under section 34 of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996 (hereafter 'the Act') impugning an arbitral award dated 23.12.2015 (hereafter 'the impugned award') passed by the Sole Arbitrator, Shri O.P. Goel, Former Director General, CPWD.

(2.) The impugned award was rendered in the context of disputes that had arisen between AAI and the respondent (hereafter 'APL') in connection with agreements dated 003.2005 and 11.02007 (hereinafter 'the agreements') entered into between the parties. In terms of the said agreements, APL was appointed to render comprehensive architectural and engineering services for construction of the proposed International Terminal Building at Trivandrum Airport.

(3.) Before the arbitral tribunal, APL made a claim of Rs. 94,38,997/- (Claim No.1) for shortfall in payment of consultancy fee as per the original scope of works; Rs. 1,35,181/- (Claim No.2) in respect of additional items considered by AAI; Rs. 35,00,057/- (Claim No.3) for additional services pertaining to ramp/bridge over Chackai Canal and Car Park; interest at the rate of 12% per annum on the amounts due (Claim No.4); and Costs (Claim No.5).