Authority: High Court of Chhattisgarh at Bilaspur
Order Date: 30.10.2026
Case Overview
- Parties: Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd (HPCL), represented by Shri Shubhabrata Khan, Chief Regional Manager, Raipur Retail Regional Office, filed the petition as the applicant. Respondents were M/s R.P. Friends Fuel, represented by proprietor Ramprasad Baghel, and Ramprasad Baghel individually, both operating a petrol pump at Pondi, Tehsil Bodla, District Kawardha, Chhattisgarh.
- Counsel: Applicant was represented by Mr. Ali Asgar, Advocate; respondents by Mr. Rohit Sharma, Advocate.
- Background: HPCL, a Government of India undertaking dealing in petroleum products, entered into a Dealership Agreement with the respondents on 31.12.2012 (Annexure A/1). Clause 66 of this agreement mandates arbitration for disputes arising out of the business transaction.
- Proceedings: The matter was initially referred to mediation as per the order dated 11.09.2026. The learned Mediator submitted a report indicating that mediation had failed.
- Arbitration Request: Pursuant to Section 11(6) of the Arbitration & Conciliation Act, 1996, the applicant filed a petition for appointment of an arbitrator.
- Arbitrator Appointment: On the consent of both parties’ counsel, Shri Ashok Kumar Panda, retired District Judge residing at Bilaspur, was appointed as the Sole Arbitrator to adjudicate the dispute arising out of the Dealership Agreement, with the seat of arbitration at Raipur.
- Procedural Directions: Relevant records are to be forwarded to Shri Ashok Kumar Panda for necessary action. The remuneration of the arbitrator shall be settled by mutual consent of the parties.
Final Outcome
- The court appointed Shri Ashok Kumar Panda as the sole arbitrator, directed the parties to agree on his remuneration, and disposed of the arbitration request application.
Topics: Arbitration, Petroleum Retail, Dealership Dispute