U P STATE BRIDGE Vs. UOI

JUDGEMENT

(1.) THE controversy in this petition under Section 14 of the arbitration and Conciliation Act concerns the order of respondent appointing shri Chander Pal instead of Shri A. K. Singhal as Arbitrator.

(2.) THE parties had entered into a contract whereby the petitioner was to execute the works of the respondent. The contract contained an arbitration clause, in standard terms, i. e. clause 25. The relevant part of that clause reads as follows:-

(3.) THE petitioner raised disputes and demanded appointment of an arbitrator. In exercise of its powers, the respondent appointed Mr. A. K. Singhal, as the sole Arbitrator by order dated 15. 10. 2003. The petitioner is aggrieved by the order dated 15. 2. 2006 whereby the previous order was recalled and Shri chander Pal has been now appointed as Arbitrator to continue with the proceedings from the stage at which the previous Arbitrator had left it.