Zee Learn Limited v. Ch. Gulveer Charitable Trust

by ARUNA SANDEEP TALWALKAR Date:

2026.04.22 15:38:25 +0530 ARUNA SANDEEP TALWALKAR

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT BOMBAY

ORDINARY ORIGINAL CIVIL JURISDICTION ARBITRATION APPLICATION NO. 127 OF 2025 ZEE Learn Limited .

... Applicant.

Vs.

Ch. Gulveer Charitable Trust.

... Respondent.

----------------- Ms. Priya Nigwekar i/b. The Chambers of Jangra & Associates, Advocate for Applicant.

----------------- CORAM : SANDEEP V. MARNE, J DATED : 20th APRIL, 2026 P.C.:- 1.

This is an Application filed under Section 11 of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996 seeking appointment of an Arbitrator for adjudication of disputes and differences that have arisen between the parties out of the Franchisee Agreement dated 13th October, 2010. 2.

Heard Ms. Nigwekar, learned Counsel appearing for the Applicant. By order dated 18th April, 2023, notices were issued to the Respondents. It appears that since usual mode of service has failed, the 1 of

Applicant applied for service of notice on Respondents through paper publication. Ms. Nigwekar has tendered an affidavit of service which indicates publication of notices in the newspapers - Indian Express(English) and Jansatta (Hindi) dated 28th March, 2026. None appears on behalf of the Respondents.

3.

Perusal of the Franchisee Agreement would indicate presence of Arbitration Agreement in Clause No. 17. The venue of the Arbitration proceedings is at Mumbai. This Court is prima facie satisfied about the existence of Arbitration Agreement between the parties. I accordingly proceed to pass following order :

(A) Ms. Revati Desai, an Advocate practising in this Court is appointed as sole Arbitrator to adjudicate upon the disputes and differences between the parties arising out of a Franchisee Agreement dated 13th October, 2010. The contact details of the Arbitrator are as under:- Mobile No. 9004806132 Email - advrevatidessai@gmail.com Address- C/o. Mr. Zal Andhyarudjina, 302 Mystry Mansion, 107, M.G. Road, Fort, Mumbai.

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(B) A copy of this order be communicated to the learned sole Arbitrator by the Advocates for the Applicant within a period of one week from the date of uploading of this order. The Applicant shall provide the contact and communication particulars of the parties to the Arbitral Tribunal alongwith a copy of this order. (C) The learned sole Arbitrator is requested to forward the statutory Statement of Disclosure under Section 11(8) read with Section 12(1) of the Act to the parties within a period of 2 weeks from receipt of a copy of this order.

(D) The parties shall appear before the learned sole Arbitrator on such date and at such place as indicated by him/her, to obtain appropriate direction with regard to conduct of the arbitration including fixing a schedule for pleadings, examination of witnesses, if any, schedule of hearings etc.

(E) The fees of the sole Arbitrator shall be as prescribed under the Bombay High Court (Fee Payable to Arbitrators) Rules, 2018 and the arbitral costs and fees of the Arbitrator shall be borne by the parties in equal portion and shall be subject to the final Award that may be passed by the Tribunal.

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4.

All issues on merits are expressly kept open to be agitated before the Arbitral Tribunal appointed as above.

5.

With the above directions, the Application is disposed of. [SANDEEP V. MARNE, J] 4 of