(1.) The petitioners seek an order for termination of the mandate of the Learned Arbitrator under Sec. 14(1)(a) of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996 (hereinafter referred to as 'the Act'). Sec. 14(1)(a) of the Act states that the mandate of an arbitrator shall terminate and he shall be substituted by another arbitrator if he becomes de jure or de facto unable to perform his functions or for other reasons fails to act without undue delay.
(2.) The facts of the matter are as follows :-
(3.) Mr. Utpal Bose, Senior Advocate, appearing on behalf of the petitioners has made the following arguments: