Former CJI DY Chandrachud Appointed as Arbitrator in German-Russia Energy Dispute

Former Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud has been appointed as the appointing authority in an international arbitration between German energy company Wintershall Dea and the Russian Federation under the Energy Charter Treaty.

The dispute arises from Russia’s alleged expropriation of Wintershall’s interests in Siberian gas projects, which were transferred to Russian companies and later auctioned to a Gazprom subsidiary.

Justice Chandrachud’s role includes handling procedural issues like arbitrator challenges or appointing a third arbitrator if needed.

He replaces Mexican lawyer Eduardo Siqueiros, who resigned amid Russia’s objection to the arbitration tribunal’s jurisdiction.