ARB.P. 1328/2026 $~17 * IN THE HIGH COURT OF DELHI AT NEW DELHI # CNR No. DLHC010350372026 + ARB.P. 1328/2026 M/S ACROSS ASSIST PRIVATE LIMITED .....Petitioner Through: Mr. Utkarsh Kokcha and Mr. Milind Raj Dixit, Advs. versus AMRIK SIDDHU .....Respondent Through: Mr. Prateek Mehta, Adv. CORAM: HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE OM PRAKASH SHUKLA JUDGMENT(ORAL) % 25.09.2026 1. The present petition has been filed under Section 11 of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 19961 seeking appointment of Sole Arbitrator to adjudicate the disputes arising out of the Employment Agreement dated 22.04.2025. 2. Both parties are ad idem that the matter can be referred to the Mediation and Conciliation Centre of this Court to explore the possibility of an amicable settlement. 3. Acceding to the same, the matter is referred to Delhi High Court Mediation and Conciliation (SAMADHAN) and the parties are directed to appear in person or through their authorized representative along with their respective Counsel before the Mediation Centre on Signed By:PRAGYA ARORA Signing Date:26.09.2026 16:45:57 Signature Not Verified ARB.P. 1328/2026 03.10.2026. 4. Three weeks’ time is granted for exploring the possibility of settlement through mediation. 5. If mediation fails, the parties are also ad idem with respect to reference of the disputes to arbitration. As there is no dispute in regard to the existence of arbitration clause, this Court finds no impediment in referring the present case to arbitration under the aegis of Delhi International Arbitration Centre2 and as per the rules of DIAC. 6. Accordingly, the DIAC is also directed to appoint an Arbitrator within one week from the date of the mediation report recording the failure of settlement, in accordance with Clause 14 of the Employment Agreement dated 22.04.2025, which reads as follows: Dispute resolution: Any controversy or claim arising out of or relating to the Agreement, or any breach or alleged breach thereof, if not resolved after negotiations, shall be finally settled by arbitration in accordance with the provisions of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996 and the Rules framed thereunder from time to time. The Arbitrator shall be appointed by the Company. The decision of the Arbitrator so appointed shall be final and binding upon the Parties. The proceedings shall be held at Delhi City and conducted in the English language. Subject to the aforesaid, Courts in Delhi City alone shall have jurisdiction 1 “Act” hereinafter 2 “DIAC” hereinafter Signed By:PRAGYA ARORA Signing Date:26.09.2026 16:45:57 Signature Not Verified ARB.P. 1328/2026 7. The learned Sole Arbitrator shall enter upon the reference within three weeks from the date of the appointment by the DIAC. 8. The learned Sole Arbitrator will proceed to the arbitration proceedings subject to furnishing requisite disclosures as required under Section 12(2) of the Act. 9. The learned Arbitrator shall be entitled to fees as per the Schedule of Fees maintained by the DIAC. 10. It shall be open to the parties to raise all pleas, including objection as to arbitrability and jurisdiction, before the learned Sole Arbitrator who shall decide the same in accordance with law. 11. It is clarified that the observations made herein are only for the purpose of deciding the present petition under Section 11(6) of the Act. The learned Sole Arbitrator shall adjudicate the disputes with claims and counter claims independently and on their own merits, uninfluenced by any observations contained in the present order. 12. Accordingly, the present petition is disposed of in the above terms. OM PRAKASH SHUKLA, J SEPTEMBER 25, 2026/gunn Signed By:PRAGYA ARORA Signing Date:26.09.2026 16:45:57