Jammu – November 13, 2026: In a consequential judicial pronouncement settling territorial jurisdiction and arbitration oversight over central infrastructure works, the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh has replaced the sole arbitrator in a major contractual dispute involving the Central Public Works Department (CPWD) and firmly designated Jammu as the juridical seat of arbitration.
The bench was adjudicating an application filed under Section 11 of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act concerning persistent delays and contested contractual payments arising out of high-priority central infrastructure construction executed in the Jammu region. The petitioner firm had approached the High Court following prolonged procedural deadlock and non-conclusion of proceedings under the previously designated arbitral authority.
Addressing the contentious issue of arbitral venue versus seat, the High Court ruled that because the substantial portion of the contract was performed within the territorial jurisdiction of Jammu and the tender agreement was finalized locally, Jammu constitutes the natural and lawful legal seat of arbitration.
The court appointed a retired judicial officer as the new sole arbitrator, directing the arbitral tribunal to convene expeditiously in Jammu and conclude the multi-crore proceedings within the statutory time frame to safeguard public infrastructure investments and commercial rights.
Published by True Roots Media