ALVA ALUMINIUM LTD.BANGKOK vs GABRIEL INDIA LIMITED

The Supreme Court addressed a petition under Sections 11(5) and 11(9) of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996, concerning the appointment of a sole arbitrator due to disputes between a Thai joint venture and an Indian company. The court held that it is necessary to determine the existence of a valid arbitration agreement before appointing an arbitrator, emphasizing that the contract must be signed by an authorized representative to be enforceable. The court concluded that the arbitration clause in the contract was valid, thus allowing for the appointment of an arbitrator to resolve the disputes.