M/S Gaytri International And ANR v. Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited And ORS

IN THE HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB AND HARYANA AT

CHANDIGARH CWP-1123-2022 (O&M) Date of decision:- 03.02.2022 M/s Gaytri International and another

...Petitioner(s)

Versus

Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) and others

...Respondent(s)

CORAM: HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE RAVI SHANKER JHA, CHIEF JUSTICE HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE ARUN PALLI

Present:

Mr. Rakesh Gupta, Advocate, for the petitioners.

(The aforesaid presence is being recorded through video conferencing since the proceedings are being conducted in virtual Court) * * * * RAVI SHANKER JHA, C.J. (ORAL) The petitioners by way of the present writ petition seek a writ of certiorari for quashing the impugned order dated 11.06.2021 (Annexure P-31), whereby recovery of Rs. 90,18,577/- has been ordered against them. The petitioners also seek a writ of certiorari for quashing clauses 12 and 15 contained in Section V of the contract agreement vide which the decision of the General Manager, Telecom District has been made final being ultra-virus and void ab initio in view of Section 28 of the Indian Contract Act, 1872.

Heard learned counsel for the petitioners.

Concededly, the petitioners vide legal notice dated 12.04.2019 (Annexure P-22) have already invoked the arbitration proceedings which are pending before the authorities concerned. It is also observed that as regards grievance of the petitioners qua the impugned order dated 11.06.2021 (Annexure P-31), they have neither approached the concerned authorities, nor invoked the arbitration. Thus, as is being urged by the learned counsel for the petitioners that given the nature of the dispute, that is sought to be raised in this petition, the same is not arbitrable being beyond the arbitration clause contained in the agreement, lacks conviction. For, thus far, the authorities concerned have not opined or held so by passing any such order.

In the circumstances, in view of the fact that the matter is already pending before the authorities concerned and that the petitioners can always approach them bringing all the aspects to their notice, at this stage, learned counsel for the petitioners submits that they may be permitted to approach the AMODH SHARMA 2022.02.04 16:12 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document arbitral authorities in respect of the issues involved in the present writ petition.

CWP-1123-2022 (O&M) However, he submits that the petitioners may be granted liberty to avail other remedies available to them in case the authorities concerned arrive at a conclusion and pass an order to the effect that the disputes raised by the petitioners are not arbitrable.

Accepting the aforesaid submission made by learned counsel for the petitioners and in terms thereof, the writ petition stands disposed of. (RAVI SHANKER JHA) CHIEF JUSTICE (ARUN PALLI) JUDGE 03.02.2022 Amodh Whether speaking/reasoned Yes/No Whether reportable Yes/No AMODH SHARMA 2022.02.04 16:12 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document