In Brief
Pragati Construction Consultants sought appointment of a sole independent arbitrator to adjudicate disputes with Indian Railways over unpaid work and cost overruns in a renovation contract. The respondent had nominated a panel of retired railway officers for the appointment of a co-arbitrator, which the petitioner opposed as violating impartiality principles. The Court, relying on prior Supreme Court precedent, held that a party with an interest in the dispute outcome cannot appoint an arbitrator. The Court appointed retired Justice Satpal Garg as sole arbitrator under the Delhi International Arbitration Centre rules, rejecting the respondent's attempted appointment and ensuring an independent adjudication of the Rs. 4.64 crore claim."
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