Delhi High Court Criticises IRCTC For Insisting On PSU-Curated Panel for Appointment of Arbitrator

The Delhi High Court has criticised the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation Limited for insisting that a private contractor appoint its nominee arbitrator from a panel curated by the PSU.

The Court said it continues to encounter such cases despite clear Supreme Court rulings against panel-based appointments controlled by one party.

It held that panel-based appointments unilaterally prepared by one party undermine the principle of equal participation in the arbitral process and are contrary to settled law on the independence and impartiality of arbitrators.

The Court reiterated that arbitral appointments must ensure fairness and neutrality between the parties.

[Meghalaya Hotels v. IRCTC]