ORDER :

Heard Mr. Srinivas Velagapudi, learned counsel for the applicants. None has appeared for the respondents despite being served.

2. This application has been filed under Section 11(6) of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996 (briefly ‘the 1996 Act’ hereinafter) for appointment of sole arbitrator to arbitrate on the dispute between the parties.

3. On 05.08.2021, this Court directed issuance of notice to the respondents. Subsequently, in the proceedings dated 28.07.2022, it was recorded that respondent No.1 was served and was represented by Mr. V.Ranga Babu, learned counsel.

4. Respondent No.1 has also filed counter-affidavit.

5. Regarding service of notice upon respondent No.2, applicants had filed memo dated 27.12.2021 as per which respondent No.2 was served on 14.12.2021.

6. Regarding service of notice upon respondents No.3 and 4, this Court granted liberty to the applicants to serve the said respondents by way of newspaper publication and thereafter, to file memo detailing the steps taken regarding service of notice. Applicants filed memo dated 26.08.2022 stating that notice was published in Telangana Today (English) daily newspaper of Hyderabad on 15.08.2022 and also in Een