JUDGMENT :

Alexander Thomas, J.

The order rendered on 23.11.2021 in OP(Arb.) No.160/2020, rejecting the objections regarding the jurisdictional bar of the arbitral tribunal, is the subject matter of the instant arbitration appeal filed under Section 37 of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996 (for short, “the Act”).

2. The appellants herein are the petitioners in the OP(Arbitration) and respondents 2 & 3 in the arbitration case before the arbitrator, whereas respondents 1 to 4 herein are respondents 1 t0 4 in the OP(Arb.) and the four claimants in the arbitration case before the arbitrator. The 5th respondent herein is the 5th respondent in the OP(Arb.) and the 1st respondent in the arbitration case before the arbitrator.

3. Heard Sri.C.S.Bissimon Chempankulam, learned counsel appearing for the appellants herein; and Sri.P.Chandrasekharan, learned counsel appearing for respondents 1 to 4 herein.

4. There is no appearance for the 5th respondent (partnership firm). In the nature of the orders proposed to be passed in this arbitration appeal, notice to the 5th respondent will stand dispensed with.

5. Pursuant to the order passed by this Court in Arbitration Request No.42/2016, the disp