In Brief
The State of West Bengal challenged an arbitrator's appointment, arguing the underlying dispute was not arbitrable. The Supreme Court dismissed the appeal, holding that an arbitrator cannot reopen or challenge a court's appointment order made under Section 11 of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act—such orders are final. Additionally, since the State had voluntarily sought permission to file a counter-claim before the arbitrator, it had submitted itself to the arbitrator's jurisdiction and could not later contest arbitrability. The Court affirmed the High Court's judgment but on different legal grounds.
The lawyer headnote and full judgment text are available to registered users.