Smt P Kalyanasundaravalli Proprietrix of M/s.K.T.Bakthavatchalam Naidu Agency v. Indian Oil Corporation
Case brief
What is this about?
Madras High Court, OA No. 551 of 2026 (K. Kumaresh Babu J., 16-07-2026): interim injunction application by dealer against Indian Oil Corporation respondents concerning termination of dealership dated 07.04.2025 (Ref.CDO/BHAKTHAVATCHALAM) under dealership agreement dated 31.03.2018; Section 21 notice and Section 11 petition noted; respondents consented to arbitration; Justice Thiru.N.Kirubakaran (retired Madras High Court Judge) appointed Sole Arbitrator with power to fix fees; liberty to seek identical relief under Section 17; interim order continued pending that application; timelines of one week (applicant) and four weeks (arbitrator); no costs; registry to issue copy on 20.07.2026.
What did the court decide?
Appointment of Justice Thiru.N.Kirubakaran (former Judge, Madras High Court) as Sole Arbitrator entitled to fix his own fees; liberty to the applicant to seek the very same relief (interim restraint of the termination order and continuation of supply) through a Section 17 application before the Arbitrator, to be filed within one week of the Arbitrator entering upon the reference, with the Arbitrator requested to pass appropriate orders within four weeks therefrom; the interim order to remain in force till disposal of that application. No costs.