Asian Thermal Insulation (I) P. Ltd vs Bridge & Roof Co. (I) Ltd

The Supreme Court clarified the nature of powers exercised by the Chief Justice under Section 11(6) of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996, establishing that such powers are judicial and not administrative. The Court upheld the decision in SBP & Co. v. Patel Engineering Ltd., which overruled the previous ruling in Konkan Rly. Corpn. Ltd. v. Rani Construction (P) Ltd., emphasizing that the Chief Justice can delegate these powers only to another judge of the same court or the Supreme Court. The Court held that the designation of a District Judge under Section 11(6) is not permissible under the Act's scheme.