Arbitration In IndiaArbitrator’s mandate can be extended multiple times

Rohan Builders (India) Pvt. Ltd. v. Berger Paints India Limited

Citation – AP-COM/428/2025

Court – Calcutta High Court

Date – 21.07.2025

The Hon’ble Calcutta High Court has held that if sufficient cause is shown, an Arbitrator’s mandate can be extended multiple times by the Court under Section 29A(5).

The Court held,

“10. Thus, in my view, the first prayer for extension of the mandate culminated in the order of the Hon’ble Apex Court dated October 23, 2024. As the proceeding could not be completed within the aforementioned period, the petitioner once again made an application before this Court for extension of the mandate. The grounds for extension have already been elaborately quoted hereinabove.

11. … This order is restricted to the extension of the mandate of the learned Arbitrator to make and publish the award. Upon the court being satisfied that sufficient cause has been shown as to why the proceeding could not be completed within May 31, 2025 and that the delay in disposal of the proceeding was not solely attributable to petitioner, the mandate of the learned Arbitrator is extended by a period of one year from date of communication of this order. The proceedings are at the stage of evidence and have advanced substantially.”

Team AMLEGALS.

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