NATIONAL HIGHWAYS AUTHORITY OF INDIA vs SAYEDABAD TEA CO. LTD. AND ORS

The Supreme Court ruled that an application under Section 11 of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996 is not maintainable when the National Highways Act, 1956 provides for the appointment of an arbitrator by the Central Government under Section 3G(5). The Court emphasized that the National Highways Act is a comprehensive code governing compensation determination and disbursement, and the provisions of the Arbitration Act apply only subject to the provisions of the National Highways Act. Consequently, the appeal was dismissed, affirming the authority of the Central Government in appointing the arbitrator.