P.N. Ravindran, J.

1. The appellants herein availed a loan from the sole respondent on 12.5.2009 for the purpose of purchasing a tractor bearing registration No. KL-40/B-9525. They defaulted repayment of the loan installments. The respondent financier thereupon invoked clause 17 A of the loan agreement and after giving notice to the appellants, nominated Sri. Thomas T. Varghese, Advocate of this court as the Arbitrator. The respondent also referred the dispute arising out of the agreement between the parties to the said Arbitrator. The Arbitrator entered on the reference and issued notice to the appellants herein by registered post acknowledgement due requiring them to be present in his chambers at 4.30 p.m. on 2.6.2010. It was stated in the said notice that if they fail to appear in person or through their authorised representatives, he will proceed ex-parte. The appellants herein entered appearance before the Arbitrator through counsel and filed vakalath on 2.6.2010. The proceedings before the Arbitrator was thereupon adjourned to 16.6.2010. On that day, the appellants filed their written statements and the consideration of the claim was adjourned to 7.7.2010. On that da