Arb O.P(COM.DIV.) No. 173 of 2026 __________ Page1 of 4 IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS DATED: 15-07-2026 CORAM THE HON'BLE MR.JUSTICE K.KUMARESH BABU Arb O.P(COM.DIV.) No. 173 of 2026 M/s.S.M.Engineering Works, Represented by its Authorized Signatory Mr.R.Vallinayagam, Having its office at 10/24, Layam Road, Thovalai, Kanyakumari – 629 302 ..Petitioner(s) Vs 1.The Assistant Director of Fisheries, Department of Fisheries & Fishermen Welfare, Government of Tamilnadu, Mandapam, Ramanathapuram District – 623 518. Authorized by Director/Commissioner of Fisheries, Having office at No.571, Integrated Office Building for Animal Husbandry and Fisheries Department, 3rd Floor, Veterinary Hospital Complex, Anna Salai, Nandanam, Chennai – 600 035. 2.Mr.B.Michael ..Respondent(s) Petition filed under Section 11 (5) of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996, praying to appoint a Sole Arbitrator to adjudicate the disputes between the petitioner and the respondents in terms of the Arbitration Agreement as found in Article 21(1) of the Tripartite Agreement for Building Long Liner Cum Gill, Netter Deep Sea Fishing Boat under the scheme of ‘Diversifaction of Trawl Fishing Boats from Palk Bay into Deep Sea Fishing Boats’ dated 18.10.2019. https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis Arb O.P(COM.DIV.) No. 173 of 2026 __________ Page2 of 4 For Petitioner(s): Mr.Akash K.A For Respondent(s): Mr. V.Prasad Government Pleader No appearance (For R2) ORDER This Arbitration Original Petition has been filed under Section 11(5) of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996, to appoint a Sole Arbitrator to adjudicate the disputes between the petitioner and the respondents in terms of the Arbitration Agreement as found in Article 21(1) of the Tripartite Agreement for Building Long Liner Cum Gill, Netter Deep Sea Fishing Boat under the scheme of ‘Diversifaction of Trawl Fishing Boats from Palk Bay into Deep Sea Fishing Boats’ dated 18.10.2019. 2. Heard Mr.Akash.K.A, learned counsel for the petitioner and Mr.V.Prasad, learned Government Pleader for the first respondent. 3. When the matter was taken up for hearing, the respective learned counsels appearing for the parties would submit that they have no objection for appointment of an Arbitrator to enter upon the dispute that had arisen between the parties. Hence, they request this Court to appoint an Arbitrator to resolve the dispute. https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis Arb O.P(COM.DIV.) No. 173 of 2026 __________ Page3 of 4 4. In view of the consent that has been expressed by the learned counsel appearing on either side, I am inclined to appoint Mr.Ponram Raja, Advocate, holding office at Chamber No.438, additional New Law Chambers, High Court Campus, Chennai-600014 (Mobile Nos.9677245241 & 9841787100) as Sole Arbitrator to enter upon the dispute between the petitioner and the respondents. 5. The learned Sole Arbitrator is entitled to fix his fees as per the Schedule-IV of the Act. This Court further requests the learned Sole Arbitrator to endeavour to decide the dispute as expeditiously as possible, however, not later than six(6) months from the date of his entering into reference. 6. Accordingly, this Arbitration Original Petition is ordered. 15-07-2026 Index: Yes/No Speaking/Non-speaking order Neutral Citation: Yes/No Pbn https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis Arb O.P(COM.DIV.) No. 173 of 2026 __________ Page4 of 4 K.KUMARESH BABU, J. Pbn Arb O.P(COM.DIV.) No. 173 of 2026 15-07-2026 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis