Authority: High Court of Judicature at Madras

Order Date: 15-07-2026

Case Overview

  • Petitioners: M/s S.M. Engineering Works, represented by authorized signatory Mr. R. Vallinayagam, office at 10/24, Layam Road, Thovalai, Kanyakumari – 629302.
  • Respondents: (1) The Assistant Director of Fisheries, Department of Fisheries & Fishermen Welfare, Government of Tamil Nadu, Mandapam, Ramanathapuram District – 623518, authorized by Director/Commissioner of Fisheries, office at No.571, Integrated Office Building for Animal Husbandry and Fisheries Department, 3rd Floor, Veterinary Hospital Complex, Anna Salai, Nandanam, Chennai – 600035; (2) Mr. B. Michael (no appearance recorded).
  • The petition is filed under Section 11(5) of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996, seeking appointment of a sole arbitrator as per the arbitration clause in Article 21(1) of the Tripartite Agreement dated 18‑10‑2019.
  • The Tripartite Agreement concerns the building of a Long Liner Cum Gill Netter Deep Sea Fishing Boat under the scheme titled “Diversification of Trawl Fishing Boats from Palk Bay into Deep Sea Fishing Boats”.
  • Counsel for petitioner: Mr. Akash K.A; Counsel for first respondent (government): Mr. V. Prasad, Government Pleader. No appearance for the second respondent, Mr. B. Michael.
  • Both counsels expressed no objection to the appointment of an arbitrator and requested the Court to make the appointment.

Final Outcome

  • The Court, after noting the mutual consent, appoints Mr. Ponram Raja, Advocate, Chamber No.438, Additional New Law Chambers, High Court Campus, Chennai‑600014 (Mobile: 9677245241 & 9841787100), as the Sole Arbitrator to adjudicate the dispute.
  • The Sole Arbitrator is authorized to fix his fees in accordance with Schedule‑IV of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996.
  • The Court directs the arbitrator to decide the dispute expeditiously, but not later than six (6) months from the date he enters into reference.
  • The Arbitration Original Petition is hereby ordered as per the above directions.

Topics: Arbitration, Fisheries, Legal Proceedings