Centrotrade Minerals & Metal Inc vs Hindustan Copper Ltd

The Supreme Court held that the arbitration clause in the agreement between Hindustan Copper Limited and Centrotrade Minerals & Metals Inc. mandates that disputes be settled by arbitration in India, with a provision for appeal to a second arbitrator in London. The Court set aside the judgments of the Calcutta High Court and directed that the matter be referred back to the International Chamber of Commerce for fresh disposal of the arbitration proceedings. The Court emphasized the binding nature of the arbitration award as per the agreement's terms, thereby reinforcing the principle of party autonomy in arbitration.