` ARB-148-2025 -1- IN THE HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB AND HARYANA AT CHANDIGARH 243 ARB-148-2025 Date of Decision: 27.08.2025 HDFC Bank Ltd. …Applicant Versus Simerdeep Singh and another …Respondents CORAM: HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE JAGMOHAN BANSAL Present: - Mr. Sanchit Malik, Advocate for Mr. Abhishek Garg, Advocate for the applicant None for the respondents *** JAGMOHAN BANSAL, J. (Oral) 1. Through instant application under Section 11 of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996 (for short ‘1996 Act’), the applicant is seeking appointment of an Arbitrator. 2. As per office report, respondents stand served. On 27.05.2025, there was no representation of the respondents and in the interest of justice, the matter was adjourned. Even today, there is no change in the situation. It appears that respondents have opted to abstain from joining the proceedings before this Court. The matter cannot be kept pending for an indefinite period especially when the prayer in the application is confined to appointment of an Arbitrator who ultimately would adjudicate rights and liabilities of the MOHIT KUMAR 2025.08.28 10:03 I attest to the accuracy and authenticity of this order/judgment. ` ARB-148-2025 -2- parties. Thus, this Court is left with no other option except to adjudicate the case on the basis of available record. 3. The parties entered into arbitration agreement. A dispute erupted between the parties. The applicant served notice upon the respondents seeking resolution of dispute through Arbitral Tribunal but to no avail. 4. Conditions to invoke power conferred by Section 11(6) of 1996 Act stand satisfied, thus, I hereby appoint a Sole Arbitrator to adjudicate the dispute between the parties. 5. Ms. Jyoti Choudhary, Advocate, residing at House No. 2058/3, Sector 45-C, Chandigarh, Mobile No.9041075460 is hereby appointed as a Sole Arbitrator to adjudicate the dispute between the parties, subject to compliance of statutory requirements. The learned Arbitrator is requested to comply with mandate of Section 12 of 1996 Act before proceeding further. 6. The parties at the first instance will appear before the Arbitrator on 10.09.2025 at 10:00 AM and thereafter, as directed by learned Arbitrator. 7. The Arbitrator shall be paid fee in accordance with the Fourth Schedule of the 1996 Act, as amended. 8. The Arbitrator is requested to complete the proceedings as per time limit specified under Section 29-A of the 1996 Act. 9. Needless to mention, parties would be at liberty to raise all the claims/defences/counter claims/pleas before the Arbitrator. Any observation made hereinabove will not be binding on the learned Arbitrator. MOHIT KUMAR 2025.08.28 10:03 I attest to the accuracy and authenticity of this order/judgment. ` ARB-148-2025 -3- 10. A request letter along with copy of this order be sent to Ms. Jyoti Choudhary, Advocate. (JAGMOHAN BANSAL) JUDGE 27.08.2025 Mohit Kumar Whether speaking/reasoned Yes/No Whether reportable Yes/No MOHIT KUMAR 2025.08.28 10:03 I attest to the accuracy and authenticity of this order/judgment.