M/S Progressive Constructions Ltd v. M/S National Highways Authority of India

ORDER %

29.07.2013 Notice in the eaptionedpetitionswas issued on 27.02.2013when the respondentwas representedby Ms. Padma Priya, Advocate. On that date, the statement of the counsel for the respondentwas taken on record. As per the statementgiven,the respondenthad indicatedthat it willnottake any O.M.P. 194/2013 & 195/2013 Page I of 2 actionpursuantto letters dated 04.12.2012and 31.12.2012till the next date of hearing. While pleadingsin the captionedmatterswere being complete, this orderinthe eaptionedpetitionshas continuedto operateto date. I am also informed by the counsel for the parties that dispute resolutionmeehanismhas been triggeredand issues raised by the aggrieved party are pending considerationbefore the Dispute ResolutionBoard (in short DRB). It is not disputed that if no resolution is arrived before the DRB, the aggrieved party would be entitled to trigger the arbitration agreement. In these circumstanees,the captionedpetitionsare disposedof with a direction that the interim order dated 27.02.2013 shall continue to operate pendingthe resolutionofthe disputeby the DRB. It is furtherorderedthat, in the eventpattiesfail to resolvethe dispute before the DRB, the interim order would continueto operatetill appropriateproeeedingsate taken out, withitia reasotiableperiod oftitne, as cotitetnplatedutider the conttactfot triggeringthe arbitrationmechanism. In casethe arbitrationtnechanistnis triggered,the Arbitratorwill treat the captiotiedpetitiotisas applicationsutider Section 17 of the Arbitration and CoticiliationAct, 1996. In that situation,the leartiedarbitratorwill be free to vacate or tnodify or afftrtn or even expand the seope ofthe ititeritii/ order in accordatice with law as tnay be deetned fit, after giving due oppottunityto boththeparties. The captionedpetitionsare aecordinglydisposedof. RAJIV SHAKDHER, J JULY 29,2013/yg p o n O.M.P. 194/2013& 195/2013 Page 2ot 2

* IN THE HIGH COURT OF DELHI AT NEW DELHI + O.M.P. 194/2013 M/S PROGRESSIVE CONSTRUCTIONS LTD Petitioner Through; Mr. Amit George, Advocate versus M/S NATIONAL HIGPIWAYS AUTHORITY OF INDIA Respondent Through: Ms. Padma Priya, Mukesh Kumar and Ms. Meenakshi Sood, Advocates + O.M.P. 195/2013 M/S PROGRESSIVE CONSTRUCTIONS LTD Petitioner Through: Mr. Amit George, Advocate versus M/S NATIONAL HIGHWAYS AUTHORITY OF INDIA Respondent Through: Ms. Padma Priya, Mukesh Kumar and Ms. Meenakshi Sood, Advocates CORAM: HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE RAJIV SHAKDHER