Calcutta High Court Allows Multiple Extensions of Arbitrator Mandate on Showing Sufficient Cause

The Calcutta High Court ruled that courts may grant multiple extensions to an arbitrator’s mandate beyond the standard 12-month or extended 18-month period under Section 29A(5) of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996, provided sufficient cause exists.

In Rohan Builders (India) Pvt. Ltd. v. Berger Paints India Ltd., Justice Shampa Sarkar extended the arbitrator’s mandate even after the Supreme Court‑imposed deadline had passed. The petitioner cited lengthy proceedings, voluminous evidence compilation, and delays in cross-examinations as reasons for the extension.

The Court reaffirmed that while prompt arbitration remains crucial, delays arising from legitimate causes do not prevent extensions being granted.