PRAKASH NARAIN SHARMA vs BURMAH SHELL CO-OP. HOUSING SOCIETY LTD.

The Supreme Court held that under Sections 60 and 93 of the Delhi Cooperative Societies Act, 1972, a civil court lacks jurisdiction to entertain matters that fall within the purview of the Act, rendering the restraint order issued by the civil court a nullity. The Court affirmed the Division Bench's decision that the arbitrator's ex-parte award was valid despite the civil court's order, as the society's failure to appear was justified given the circumstances. The Court directed the appointment of a new arbitrator to adjudicate the dispute, thereby upholding the arbitration process.