This petition was filed under Section 29A of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996, seeking a one-year extension of the mandate of the learned Sole Arbitrator (Hon’ble Mr. Justice Vipin Sanghi, Retd.) to conclude pending arbitral proceedings arising out of work orders dated September 30, 2023, and October 27, 2023. With the respondent offering no objection and noting that the proceedings were already at the stage of final arguments following voluminous records, the Delhi High Court found sufficient cause for the delay. Consequently, the High Court allowed the petition, extended the mandate by one year with effect from August 5, 2026, regularized the intervening period, and recorded the counsels’ undertakings to avoid unnecessary adjournments.
- Factual Background:
- The dispute originated from work orders issued by the respondent (Jakson Limited) in favor of the petitioner (Adedge India Water Technologies Private Limited) on September 30, 2023, and October 27, 2023.
- The matter was referred to a Sole Arbitrator, and the parties had previously extended the mandate by six months by mutual consent under Section 25A(3) of the Act.
- Arguments & Submissions:
- The petitioner sought a further one-year extension because the proceedings could not conclude within the extended time frame due to voluminous records, noting that the case is currently at the final arguments stage.
- The respondent accepted notice through counsel and explicitly stated that they had no objection to the extension of the mandate.
- Court Observations & Findings:
- The Court noted its empowerment under Section 29A(5) of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996, to extend an arbitral mandate upon showing sufficient cause.
- The Court observed that sufficient cause was demonstrated given the advanced stage of the proceedings, and confirmed that no party was at fault for the delay.
- Both parties’ counsels undertook not to seek unnecessary adjournments and to wrap up their arguments as quickly as possible.
- Final Directions:
- The mandate of the learned Sole Arbitrator was extended by a further period of one year as a final opportunity starting from August 5, 2026, with all intervening periods duly regularized.
- The petition was accordingly disposed of.


