KG Basin case hits legal hurdle over arbitrator appointment

The Supreme Court while discussing the KG Basin case today said that the arbitration ordinance has cast doubts over authority of the bench. The issue pertains to RIL KG Basin case, wherein RIL had moved the Supreme Court for appointment of a third arbitrator in the case earlier. RIL and government each had appointed an arbitrator for the same. The bench, which came into effect from Ocober 2015, was appointed by the Chief Justice of India (CJI). However, as per the ordinance, the bench was supposed to be designated by the Supreme Court and not CJI. The Apex Court has the authority to decide whether the CJI designated bench can hear the plea. The court is expected to announce its decision with seven to ten days.

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