Neeraj Kukreja vs Late Mohan Lal Kukreja & Ors.

The present petition has been filed under Section 29A(5) of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996^{11.O.M.P.(MISC.)(COMM.) 653/2026 Page 1 of 3} seeking extension of the mandate of the learned Sole Arbitrator by a further period of six months.

The parties were referred to arbitration vide order dated 16.05.2019, whereby the Hon’ble Mr. Justice Badar Durrez (Former Judge of this Court) was appointed as the Sole Arbitrator. The pleadings were completed on 06.11.2019. The Tribunal has since passed an interim award dated 05.04.2023 and direction has been issued for taking of accounts and sale of the partnership assets. A Chartered Accountant and a Receiver have also been appointed for the said purpose.

The mandate of the Tribunal has been extended from time to time, including by order dated 19.05.2023, 20.10.2023, 29.04.2024, 24.10.2024, 17.04.2025, 26.08.2025 and 18.03.2026. The last extension was granted till 17.08.2026.

The parties, in their hearing before the learned Tribunal on 08.08.2026, consented to a further extension as the sale of the cinema are still being deliberated upon.

The present petition, accordingly, seeks extension of the mandate of the Tribunal till 17.02.2027.

Issue notice.

Notice is accepted on behalf of the Respondent No.2 by Mr. Lzafeer Ahmad BF and Respondent No.3 by Ms. Anupriya Poddar. Learned Counsel for Respondent No.1 accepts notice.

Parties are ad idem that the mandate of the learned Arbitrator may be extended for a further period of six months.

This Court is empowered under Section 29A(5) of the Act to extend the mandate of the Arbitral Tribunal upon sufficient cause being shown.

In view of the above and with the consent of the parties, sufficient cause is made out.

The mandate of the learned Sole Arbitrator is, accordingly, extended for a further period of six months, i.e., till 17.02.2027, for completion of the proceedings and rendering of the arbitral award.

The petition stands disposed of in the above terms.