$~75 * IN THE HIGH COURT OF DELHI AT NEW DELHI + O.M.P. (T) (COMM.) 112/2025 ORIENT ELECTRIC LIMITED ....Petitioner Through: Mr. Pranav Chadha, Adv.

versus VARDHAMAN APPLIANCES LIMITED ......Respondent Through: Ms. Latika Bajaj, Mr. Achal Mittal, Advs.

CORAM:

HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE JASMEET SINGH

O R D E R

% 08.12.2025

1. This is a petition filed under Section 15(2) read with Section 14 of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996 (“1996 Act”) seeking appointment of substitute Sole Arbitrator in arbitration proceedings bearing Case No.

DIAC/11317/08-25.

2. The learned Arbitrator was appointed by this Court in ARB.P. 904/2025. Subsequently, the learned Arbitrator entered reference and on the first hearing disclosed that she had been a school classmate of the petitioner company’s President over twenty years ago. The respondent initially consented but thereafter sought the learned Arbitrator recusal, citing potential apprehension of bias.

3. Consequently, the learned Arbitrator vide email dated 15.09.2025 recused herself from the arbitral proceedings and informed the Delhi free to seek remedies before a competent forum.

(DIAC) to appoint a substitute Arbitrator. However, the Delhi International A