Authority: High Court of Chhattisgarh at Bilaspur (Chief Justice Ramesh Sinha)
Order Date: 01.09.2026
Case Overview
- Applicant: M/s Chhattisgarh Fuels (proprietor V. Venu, represented by Power of Attorney holder Vinay Kumar Singh) seeks arbitration against Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) concerning termination of a dealership agreement dated 01.11.2008 (SAP CODE 170763) for a retail outlet in Bhilai, Durg.
- Respondent: IOCL terminated the dealership by order No. RPDO/R/170763/TL/01 dated 07.07.2025 alleging violation of agreement conditions (partnership deed with Narendra Kumar Nishad and Smt. B.S. Raj Bala). Applicant denied breach and filed a representation on 24.07.2025, which remains pending.
- Applicant invoked the arbitration clause (clause 61(a)) by sending a legal notice on 14.04.2026; respondent failed to nominate an arbitrator within the statutory 30‑day period.
- Both parties consented to the appointment of a retired High Court judge as sole arbitrator; they suggested Justice Radhakishan Agrawal.
Final Outcome
- The Court appoints Hon’ble Mr. Justice Radhakishan Agrawal, retired Judge of the High Court, as the sole arbitrator to resolve the dispute.
- The Registry is directed to communicate the order to the appointed arbitrator.
- The Court grants exemptions from filing a typed copy of the arbitration petition (IA No.01/2026) and from filing the original dealership agreement (IA No.02/2026).
- Remuneration of the arbitrator shall be determined by mutual consent of the parties.
- The arbitration request petition is allowed.
Topics: Arbitration, Dealership Agreement, Oil & Gas Retail