Valvue Armaturen V.U. Beratung Gmbh and Co KG vs National Fertilizers Ltd. and Others

Mr. Arun Jaitely, learned senior counsel appearing for the petitioner has drawn our attention to a judgment of this court in Dresser Rand, S.A. Vs. K.G. Khosla Compressors Ltd. and Others, and in particular, to paragraph 2, which reads thus:

"2. In a matter of this nature where questions of amenability of a dispute to international arbitration arise it is not proper to let loose and keep at large orders of injunction of this kind for unduly long periods. It is inconsistent with the principles governing international arbitration. It is of utmost importance for the domestic courts to be circumspect in granting such interlocutory interdictions. At any rate, the court must ensure that the matters are dealt with and disposed of with utmost despatch."

After hearing Mr. Jaitely and perusing the record, we are of the opinion V. A. V.U. BERATUNG GMBH AND CO. KG. v. NATIONAL FERTILIZERS LTD. 917 that the issue relating to the vacation or continuance of the stay order, which had been obtained by the respondent in Suit No. 3737/91, as early as in 29.11.1991 and is still in operation requires to be settled expeditiously. The issue has not been disposed of although almost seven years have elapsed. In the nature of the dispute pending before the Court, issues relating to interlocutory interdictions need to be disposed of with utmost despatch.

While not being inclined to interfere with an order adjourning the decision of issue in exercise of our jurisdiction under Article 136 of the Constitution of India, we, however, consider it appropriate to request the High Court to dispose of the issue concerning the vacation or otherwise of the injunction expeditiously and as far as possible before 31.12.1998.

With these observations, the SLP is disposed of.