Liberty Shoes Ltd vs Manjeet Plastic Industries

The present petition has been filed under Section 29A of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996^{11.“the Act” hereinafter}, seeking extension of the mandate of the learned Sole Arbitrator.

The disputes arose between the parties in relation to their business transactions, pursuant to which the parties approached this Court for appointment of a Sole Arbitrator.

By order dated 16.03.2023, this Court appointed Hon’ble Mr. Justice J.R. Midha (Retd.) as the learned Sole Arbitrator.

The learned Sole Arbitrator entered upon the reference on 21.04.2023 after making a disclosure under Section 12 of the Act.

It is to be noted that the mandate of the learned Sole Arbitrator was already extended by this Court by order dated 04.07.2025 for a period of six months.

Learned counsel for the Petitioner submits that the arbitral proceedings have substantially progressed, with the pleadings and evidence having been concluded, and the matter is at final hearing. Thus, it is prayed that a further extension of six months is required for the conclusion of the arguments.

Learned Counsel appearing for the Respondent, on advance notice, submits that the Respondent has no objection to the extension of the mandate of the learned Sole Arbitrator.

It is well-settled that the mandate of an Arbitral Tribunal can be extended even after the expiry of the mandate under Section 29A of the Act. However, the said extension cannot be granted as a matter of course and the Court must be satisfied that sufficient cause exists for extending the mandate.

In the considered opinion of this Court, sufficient cause is made out in the facts of the present case.

The arbitral proceedings have reached the final stage, and only the conclusion of the final arguments and the pronouncement of the arbitral award remain. The delay cannot be attributed to any lack of diligence on the part of the parties or the learned Sole Arbitrator.

Accordingly, the mandate of the learned Sole Arbitrator is extended by a further period of six months with effect from 04.07.2026. The period commencing from 04.07.2026 till the date of this order shall also stand regularized.

The present petition stands disposed of in the above terms.