GOKUL CHANDRA KANUNGO vs STATE OF ORISSA

The Supreme Court addressed the constitutionality of the Arbitration (Orissa Second Amendment) Act, 1991, which amended the Arbitration Act, 1940, in relation to disputes arising from contracts with the Orissa Government. The Court held that the amendments provided for the establishment of Special Arbitration Tribunals to resolve disputes involving claims exceeding one crore rupees, thereby replacing arbitrators previously appointed by the Court of Sub-Judge. The Court affirmed the validity of the amendments and the authority of the Special Arbitration Tribunals to adjudicate the disputes in question.