HARINDER SINGH Vs. GODREJ AGROVET LIMITED

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The petitioners seek appointment of an Arbitrator in terms of Sec. 11 (6) of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996.

(2.) It is not in dispute that a lease agreement dtd. 27/7/2007 (Annexure A/l) had been entered into between the petitioners and the respondents i.e. Godrej Agrovet Limited and as per which the petitioners had leased out an open plot measuring 34500 sq. feet in Mandi Killianwali, District Muktsar, Punjab to the respondents, who were into the business of 'manufacturing and marketing of agricultural implements, pesticides, weedicides, tissue culture planting etc.'. The lease was for a period of 30 years on a monthly rent of Rs.69,000.00. An increase in the rent at the rate of 10% at the end of 5 years was also agreed amongst the parties. The agreement also provided for resolution of disputes by way of arbitration. The relevant clause from the lease deed is reproduced hereinunder:

(3.) A dispute having arisen, the petitioners invoked arbitration by way of issuance of a notice dtd. 27/2/2023 to the respondents, but to no avail.