IN THE HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB & HARYANA AT CHANDIGARH 294 ARB-510-2024 (O&M) Date of decision: 08.05.2025 KOTAK MAHINDRA PRIME LTD. ….APPLICANT Vs. NARINDER SINGH AND ANR. ...RESPONDENTS CORAM: HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE JAGMOHAN BANSAL Present: Mr. Abhishek Garg, Advocate for the applicant. None for the respondents. **** JAGMOHAN BANSAL, J (ORAL) 1. Through instant application under Section 11(5) of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996 (for short ‘1996 Act’), the applicant is seeking appointment of an Arbitrator. 2. As per office report, the respondents stand served. On 05.02.2025, there was no representation of the respondents and in the interest of justice, the matter was adjourned for today. Even today, there is no change in the situation. It appears that respondent has opted to abstain from joining the proceedings before this Court. The matter is pending before this Court since October’ 2024 and it cannot be kept pending for 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 parties. Thus, this Court is left with no other option except to adjudicate the case. 3. The parties entered into arbitration agreement dated 31.05.2023. A dispute erupted between the parties. The applicant served notice upon the respondents invoking arbitration clause but to no avail. MANOJ KUMAR 2025.05.09 10:02 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document ARB-510-2024 (O&M) -2- 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. Mr. Rajeev Kumar Garg, Chartered Accountant, residing at B-XIX- 1225/3A/1, Opp. Shri Sharman, Kitchlu Nagar Extns, Hambran Road, Ludhiana, Mobile No.9815610806 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 23.05.2025 at 10.00 A.M. 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. 10. A request letter along with copy of this order be sent to Mr. Rajeev Kumar Garg. 11. Pending miscellaneous application(s), if any, shall also stand disposed of. 08.05.2025 [JAGMOHAN BANSAL] manoj JUDGE Whether speaking/reasoned Yes/No Whether reportable Yes/No MANOJ KUMAR 2025.05.09 10:02 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document