M/S. P. DASARATHARAMA REDDY COMPLEX vs GOVERNMENT OF KARNATAKA

The Supreme Court addressed the issue of appointment of an arbitrator under Section 11(6) and (8) of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996, holding that the Designated Judge's refusal to appoint an arbitrator was erroneous. The Court emphasized that the existence of a dispute is sufficient for the appointment of an arbitrator, regardless of the merits of the claims. The appeals were allowed, and the matter was remitted for the appointment of an arbitrator as per the provisions of the Act.