JUDGMENT

J. B. PARDIWALA, J.:

For the convenience of exposition, this judgment is divided into the following parts: -

INDEX A. FACTUAL MATRIX .................................................................................... 2

B. SUBMISSIONS ON BEHALF OF THE PETITIONER ........................ 15

C. SUBMISSIONS ON BEHALF OF THE RESPONDENT ...................... 18

D. ANALYSIS ................................................................................................... 21

i. ISSUE NO. 1: Whether the Limitation Act, 1963 is applicable to an application for appointment of arbitrator under Section 11 (6) of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996 ? If yes, whether the present

1 R4 e: a2 s6 o:3 n0 : IST petition is barred by limitation? ............................................................. 22

a. When does the right to apply under Section 11 (6) accrue? .............. 27

ii. ISSUE NO. 2: Whether the court may refuse to make a reference under Section 11 of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996 where the claims are ex-facie and hopelessly time-barred? .................................. 36

a. Jurisdiction versus Admissibility ............................................