Interim protection in arbitration matters continued while the arbitrator's report and further hearing were awaited

Pending further hearing in a dispute already referred to arbitration, the Court noted that an arbitrator had been appointed under the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996 to examine whether the parties had amicably settled the matter. The case was directed to be listed after the arbitrator's report. In the meantime, interim protection against arrest was continued for petitioner No. 1, and the earlier interim order was extended until further consideration.

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Issues: Whether, pending further hearing, the parties' disputes could be referred to the appointed arbitrator and interim protection could be continued.

Analysis: The order records that an arbitrator had already been appointed under Section 11(5) of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996 to resolve the disputes between the parties. Pending the arbitrator's report on whether the disputes had been amicably settled, the Court directed that the matter be listed on the next date of hearing. In the meantime, protection against arrest was granted to petitioner No. 1, and the earlier interim order was directed to continue.

Conclusion: Interim protection was continued and the matter was kept pending for the arbitrator's report and further hearing.

Ratio Decidendi: Where disputes subject to an arbitral reference are pending before the Court, interim protection may be continued pending the arbitrator's report and further consideration.

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