ORDER

1. These applications and the consequential reference to a larger Bench are triggered by the amendment to Sub-Section (1) of Section 8 of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996 (for short the "Arbitration Act") by Act 3 of 2016, with retrospective effect from 23.10.2015. The question for consideration before this Bench is profound, having seminal ramifications for the entire adjudicatory mechanism envisaged for settlement of consumer disputes, falling within the ambit of the Consumer Protection Act, 1986 (for short the "Consumer Act").

2. In order to bring into focus the issue involved in these hotly contested Applications, we deem it appropriate and expedient to reiterate the history and essence of the referral order dated 31.08.2016, passed by the Learned Single Member, especially since both sides have pressed into service certain observations from the said order, dated 31.08.2016, in support of their respective stands.

3. The Opposite Party in the Original Complaints (for short, "the Builder") filed this set of captioned applications under Section 8 of the Arbitration Act praying therein that the parties be referred to Arbitration as per the Buyers' Agreements executed