Vikrant Kishorbhai Mehta And ORS. v. Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd.

2 ia 2431-22.doc

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT BOMBAY

CIVIL APPELLATE JURISDICTION INTERIM APPLICATION NO. 2431 OF 2022 IN ARBITRATION APPEAL NO. 25 OF 2018 Vikrant Kishorbhai Mehta and Ors.

..Applicants V/s.

Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd.

..Respondent ---- Mr. Amey Deshpande for the Applicants.

Mr. S.R. Page for the Respondent.

---- CORAM : C.V. BHADANG, J.

SNEHA NITIN CHAVAN by SNEHA NITIN CHAVAN Date: 2022.09.21 14:41:52 +0530 DATE : 21 SEPTEMBER 2022 P.C.

.

This is an application under Section 29A of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996 for extension of time for conclusion of the arbitration proceedings.

2.

I have heard learned counsel for the parties. 3.

The record discloses that this Court had appointed the learned Arbitrator by an order dated 12.07.2018 in Arbitration Appeal (L) No. 19681 of 2018. This Court had fixed a period of six months, for conclusion of arbitral proceedings . Sneha Chavan page 1 of 2

2 ia 2431-22.doc 4.

The learned counsel for the Applicant states that arbitration proceedings could not be concluded, on account of the intervening conditions owing to the lock down, during Covid-19 pandemic. He submitted that there were general orders passed by Hon'ble Supreme Court extending time till 28.02.2022. He also points out that in the intervening period, the District Court was approached in order to obtain orders, for enforcement of attendance of witnesses, which consumed some time. 5.

Upon hearing the learned counsel for the parties, the period for conclusion of arbitration proceedings is extended by six months from today.

6.

Inform the learned Arbitrator.

7.

The interim application is disposed of.

C.V. BHADANG, J.

Sneha Chavan page 2 of 2