JUDGMENT :-

R.M. LODHA, J.

We have heard Mr. Pallav Shishodia, learned senior counsel for the petitioner and Mr. Shyam Divan, learned senior counsel for the respondent.

2. A Development Agreement-cum-General Power of Attorney (for short “Development Agreement”) was executed between the parties on February 7, 2006. Certain disputes arose out of that agreement. On December 10, 2010, the respondent issued a notice to the petitioner invoking arbitration clause in the above agreement and nominated a former Judge of the High Court of Andhra Pradesh - Justice P.L.N. Sharma -on her behalf and called upon the present petitioner to nominate its arbitrator.

3. By reply dated January 10, 2011, the petitioner communicated to the respondent that since the Development Agreement has been cancelled by her, there was no question for resolution of disputes between the parties by the Arbitrator. The reply sent by the petitioner necessitated the invocation of Section 11 of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996 (for short “the Act”) by the respondent and an application was made before the High Court of Andhra Pradesh requesting the Chief Justice or the Designate Judge to appoint the arbitrator/arbi