2009 Supreme(Bom) 1273
IN THE HIGH COURT OF BOMBAY
Anoop V. Mohta, J.
BOMBAY CONSTRUCTION AND ENGINEERING PVT. LTD
Versus
MEHTA FINSTOCK PVT. LTD. , MUMBAI
Arbitration Petition No. 55 of 2009
Decided On : SEPTEMBER 25, 2009
Dipen Merchant, J.J.BHATT, MAHESH SHAH, Purohit, S
Headnote:Arbitration & Conciliation Act, 1996 - Section 34 - Arbitral award - Challenged by petitioner - Sur-rejoinder and sur-sur-rejoinder filed after closing of matter - Held - Decision based upon sur-rejoinder and sur-sur rejoinder filed after closing of matter need to be reconsidered again - Impugned award quashed - Petition allowed.
( 2 ) THE challenge is to the award dated 8th October, 2009 on various grounds.
( 3 ) ADMITTEDLY, the sur-rejoinder and the sur-sur-rejoinder were filed after the closing of the matter. The parties were represented by the advocates. Therefore, in my view, the decision based upon the sur-rejoinder and sur-sur-rejoinder which were filed after closing of the matter, need to be reconsidered again. The submission that even otherwise, the averments made in those sur-rejoinder and/or sur-sur-rejoinder could not have changed the basic award, is not acceptable. Because, it amounts no full opportunity, as contemplated under the principle of natural justice. There is nothing on record to show that the parties have accepted and or consented for such procedural mode and mechanism. Without expressing anything on merits of the matter, on this ground itself, I am quashing this award. However, it is made clear that the Hon'ble Tribunal may fix the matter and pass appropriate order after hearing both the parties within a period of 6 weeks, on the basis of material available on record.
( 4 ) THE Petition is, accordingly allowed. No order as to costs. Petition allowed.