Zee Learn Limited v. Raj Shikshan Prasarak Mandal

2026:BHC-OS:10455 Renuka 22-ARBAP-481-2025

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT BOMBAY

ORDINARY ORIGINAL CIVIL JURISDICTION ARBITRATION APPLICATION NO. 481 OF 2025 Zee Learn Limited ...Applicant V/s.

Raj Shikshan Prasarak Mandal

...Respondent

________________ Ms. Priya Nigwekar i/b Ms. Pallavi P. Chari for Applicants/Petitioner. ________________ CORAM: SANDEEP V. MARNE, J.

DATED: 22 April 2026.

P.C.:

1) This is Application filed under Section 11 of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996 (the Arbitration Act) for appointment of Arbitrator for adjudication of disputes and differences that have arisen between the parties out of Academic Alliance Agreement dated 4 October 2019.

2) This Court had issued notice to the Respondents by order dated 8 January 2026. Since usual mode of service failed, the Applicant was granted liberty to serve the Respondent through substitute mode of paper publication.

3) Ms. Nigwekar, the learned counsel appearing for Applicant has tendered affidavit of service, which indicates that the notices have 1 of

Renuka 22-ARBAP-481-2025 been published in the newspaper Times of India (English) and Loksatta (Marathi). The Respondent is duly served. However, none has appeared on behalf of the Respondent. Perusal of Academic Alliance Agreement would indicate presence of Arbitration Agreement in clause 15.8. The seat of the Arbitration is at Mumbai. This Court is thus, satisfied about existence of Arbitration Agreement between the parties. In that view of the matter, it would be just and proper to appoint a sole Arbitrator for adjudication of disputes between the parties. 4) I accordingly, proceed to pass the following order:- (A) Mr. Hrush V. Meghani, an Advocate of this Court is appointed as sole Arbitrator to adjudicate upon the disputes and differences between the parties arising out of Academic Alliance Agreement dated 4 October 2019. The contact details of the Arbitrator are as under :

Office Address : 501, Churchgate Chambers, Vithaldas Thackersey Marg, New Marine Lines, Fort, Mumbai- 400 020 Email id :

hurshmeghani@gmail.com Contact No.

9820753890 (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. 2 of

Renuka 22-ARBAP-481-2025 (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, 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.

5) All rights and contentions of the parties are expressly kept open to be agitated before the Arbitral Tribunal. 6) With the above directions, the Application is disposed of. [SANDEEP V. MARNE, J.] Signed by: Renuka S Thakur Designation: PA To Honourable Judge Date: 24/04/2026 10:25:51 3 of