Axalta Coating System Pvt. Ltd vs Libra Automotives Pvt. Ltd.

$~A-4
*    IN THE HIGH COURT OF DELHI AT NEW DELHI

%                                      Date of decision: 22.01.2020

+      ARB.P. 378/2019

       AXALTA COATING SYSTEM PVT. LTD        ..... Petitioner
                   Through: Mr. Himanshu, Advocate for
                            Mr.Vivek Malik, Advocate
                   versus

       LIBRA AUTOMOTIVES PVT. LTD.          ..... Respondent
                   Through: Ms. Kanika Agnihotri, Advocate
                             (Arbitrator)

       CORAM:
       HON'BLE MS. JUSTICE JYOTI SINGH

JYOTI SINGH, J. (ORAL)

1. This is a petition filed under Section 11(6) of the Arbitration & Conciliation Act, 1996 ('Act') seeking appointment of an Arbitrator.

2. Vide order dated 29.11.2019, this Court had permitted the petitioner to carry out substituted service on the respondents. Affidavit of service on the respondents through publication has been filed on 26.12.2019. Publication in respect of respondent No. 1 has been carried out in 'Hindustan Times' (English) and 'Nav Bharat Times' (Hindi) on 28.11.2019 and in respect of respondent No. 2 in 'Times of India' (English) and 'Swadesh' (Hindi) on 26.12.2019.

3. Matter has been called twice. However, there is no appearance on behalf of the respondents. It appears that the respondents are not interested in defending the matter. Accordingly, respondents are proceeded ex-parte.

4. While examining a petition under Section 11(6) of the Act, the Court is only required to examine the existence and the validity of the Arbitration Agreement. This has been clearly held by the Supreme Court in the judgment of M/s. Mayavati Trading Pvt. Ltd. vs. Pradyuat Deb Burman, (Civil Appeal No.7023/2019, decided on 05.09.2019) and is the mandate of Section 11(6A) of the Act. Since the respondents have chosen not to appear and have been proceeded ex-parte, the existence and validity of the Arbitration Agreement is not in dispute. Accordingly, this Court appoints Ms. Kanika Agnihotri, Advocate, who is present in Court today, as a Sole Arbitrator to adjudicate the disputes between the parties.

5. The address and mobile number of the learned Arbitrator is as under:

Ms. Kanika Agnihotri, Advocate A-118, 2nd Floor, Defence Colony, New Delhi-110024 Mobile: 9810980027

6. The learned Arbitrator shall give disclosure under Section 12 of the Act before entering upon reference.

7. Fee of the Arbitrator shall be fixed as per Fourth Schedule of the Act.

8. The petition is disposed of in the aforesaid terms.

JYOTI SINGH, J JANUARY 22, 2020 rd/ ARB.P. 378/2019 Page 2 of 2