Act/Law wise: Judgment of Supreme Court of Bangladesh (AD & HCD)



Arbitration Act [I of 2001] (সালিস আইন)
Section/Order/ Article/Rule/ Regulation Head Note Parties Name Reference/Citation
Article 3

Article 3 of the First Schedule to the Act — ­Time for award 4 months
The appellant would seem to have no ground to stand upon, since it appears that the award was made beyond the period mentioned therein.
When the arbitration proceedings continued beyond 4 months with the parties raising no objection-Conclusion is the party concerned has waived its right.
Enlargement of time (beyond 4 months) for giving the award by consent of the both parties, permissible-Such enlargement of time may be provided for in the agreement-In the absence of such agreement consent may be inferred by conduct of parties.
Government of Bangladesh vs Jalaluddin Ahmed 37 DLR (AD) 27.

Government of Bangladesh vs Jalaluddin Ahmed 37 DLR (AD) 27
Section 3(3), 6, 7A & 12 r/w

The Arbitration Act, 2001
Section 3(3), 6, 7A & 12 r/w
Local Government (City Corporation) Act, 2009
Section 87(2)
In Section 3 clause 11 of the lease agreement dated 24.06.2023, it is found that, there remains the Arbitration Clause, where it has been provided, inter-alia, for reference to arbitration consisting of arbitrators of whom the Petitioner and the respondent No.6 shall nominate one Arbitrator, in case of disputes arising between the parties thereto in connection with or arising out of the said contract. It was further provided that two of the arbitrators, appointed by both the parties, will nominate one umpire who will be the Chairman of the Arbitration Tribunal. ––In that view of the matter this Civil Petition is disposed of. Mr. Hasan Foez Siddique, former Chief Justice of Bangladesh is hereby appointed as chairman of the Arbitration Tribunal and Mr. Moyeenul Islam Chowdhury, former Judge of the High Court Division, Supreme Court of Bangladesh is appointed as arbitrator representing the Dhaka North City Corporation. However, the remuneration of the Chairman of the Arbitration Tribunal shall be fixed at a sum of taka 10,00,000/- (ten lacs) in total. The parties are directed to bear all the expenses equally. ––The arbitration Tribunal shall act in accordance with law. All the observations and directions of the High Court Division in the Judgment and order dated 06.04.2023 in Arbitration application No. 01 of 2021 is hereby declared redundant having no bearing upon any legal proceedings. .....Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) =VS= Learned District Judge, (Civil), 2024(1) [16 LM (AD) 605] ....View Full Judgment

Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) =VS= Learned District Judge 16 LM (AD) 605
Section 6

When a party before the arbitral tribunal does not raise any objection with regard to non-compliance of any provision of the Arbitration Act or with regard to non-fulfillment of any requirement set out in the arbitration agreement within the time prescribed in the Arbitration Act and/or within the time-limit stipulated in the arbitration agreement or, in the absence of any stipulation as to the time in the law or in the arbitration agreement, within a reasonable time without making any delay, for dealing with that scenario, the Legislature man-dated the arbitral tribunal and the Courts to take a presumption that the aforesaid party has waived his right to so object. Ghulam Mohiuddin (Bhutto) -Vs.- Mrs. Rokeya Din and others (Spl. Original) 2019 ALR (HCD) Online 174 ....View Full Judgment

Ghulam Mohiuddin (Bhutto) -Vs.- Mrs. Rokeya Din and others 2019 ALR (HCD) Online 174
7K (1)

The substantive prayer in the Arbitration Miscellaneous case No. 7 of 2019 under section 7K (1) of the Arbitration Act, 2001 is basically a prayer for an order of restraint till arbitration proceedings are initiated and nothing else. Further I am also of the considered view that section 7K (1) sub-section Uma including other sections only contemplate the passing of an ad-interim order in case of urgency to address certain circumstances or situations either during an arbitration proceeding or before an arbitration case is initiated. ...Anamika Corp. Ltd. & ors Vs. Humayun M. Chowdhury & ors, (Civil), 17 SCOB [2023] HCD 119 ....View Full Judgment

Anamika Corp. Ltd. & ors Vs. Humayun M. Chowdhury & ors 17 SCOB [2023] HCD 119
Section 7ka (1)

The provisions of any special statutory enactment must be construed strictly unless a different intention is otherwise implied:
Arbitration Act, 2001 is a special enactment of law and the provisions of any special statutory enactment must be construed strictly unless a different intention is otherwise implied anywhere in any other law. I am of the considered opinion that if the legislature intended to confer the power upon the learned District Judge besides what is expressly stated in section 7ka (1) of the Arbitration Act, 2001 in that event it would not have expressly laid the specified conditions and situations under which an order may be passed under section 7K (1) sub Rule (K-Q) including an order of ad-interim injunction (অন্তবর্তীকালীন নিষেধাজ্ঞা) under sub Rule ‘P’. ...Anamika Corp. Ltd. & ors Vs. Humayun M. Chowdhury & ors, (Civil), 17 SCOB [2023] HCD 119 ....View Full Judgment

Anamika Corp. Ltd. & ors Vs. Humayun M. Chowdhury & ors 17 SCOB [2023] HCD 119
Section 7ka

It is a principle of law that a statute in particular where a statute is a special piece enactment of law and addressing certain situations and circumstances, in that event unless a different intention is expressed elsewhere in the law the statute must be construed and interpreted in accordance with the strict meaning of the language as it expressly appears. The language of section 17(ka) is quite clear and there is no ambiguity as such in the provision. It is also a settled principle of law that where a specific provision of law is expressly stated such specific provision shall prevail over the general law. ...Anamika Corp. Ltd. & ors Vs. Humayun M. Chowdhury & ors, (Civil), 17 SCOB [2023] HCD 119 ....View Full Judgment

Anamika Corp. Ltd. & ors Vs. Humayun M. Chowdhury & ors 17 SCOB [2023] HCD 119
Section 7K

While issuing an order of ad-interim restraint or injunction the learned District Judge is not empowered to pass an order under section 45 of the Evidence Act, 1872:
While issuing an order of ad-interim restraint or injunction whatsoever, the learned District Judge is not empowered to pass an order under section 45 of the Evidence Act, 1872 for purpose of having any signature examined by a hand writing expert. It is also necessary to be reminded that a report under section 45 of the Evidence Act, 1872 submitted by a hand writing expert is not a conclusive evidences of finding of facts but which must be corroborated by supporting evidences. It is needless to state that such assessment and adducing of such evidences is a longer process under the relevant procedural law. By no stretch of imagination can it be contemplated that section 7K of the Arbitration Act, 2001 including section 7K (1) P contemplate the power of a District Judge for passing of the ad-interim order beyond a situation of urgency. Section 7K (1) particularly sub section (P) of the Act of 2001, does not contemplate a lengthy trial pursuant to adducing evidences whatsoever. Therefore the provision of Section 7K is limited to passing certain orders under certain situations and circumstances. The intention of the legislators in enacting of those provision also upon comparison and analogy with Order 39 Rule (1) and (2) of the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 is to address circumstances of urgency and nothing beyond. ...Anamika Corp. Ltd. & ors Vs. Humayun M. Chowdhury & ors, (Civil), 17 SCOB [2023] HCD 119 ....View Full Judgment

Anamika Corp. Ltd. & ors Vs. Humayun M. Chowdhury & ors 17 SCOB [2023] HCD 119
Section 7K, 17(ka)

The power to issue an order for examination of any signature by hand writing expert is conferred upon the arbitral tribunal only under the provisions of section 17(ka) of the Arbitration Act, 2001. Section 7K has limited powers and the civil court cannot travel beyond the limited powers while exercising the power conferred upon it under Section 7K of the Act of 2001. ...Anamika Corp. Ltd. & ors Vs. Humayun M. Chowdhury & ors, (Civil), 17 SCOB [2023] HCD 119 ....View Full Judgment

Anamika Corp. Ltd. & ors Vs. Humayun M. Chowdhury & ors 17 SCOB [2023] HCD 119
Section 7 and 10

Civil suit is, never ipso facto intended to be barred in view of the existence of an arbitration clause in the agreement–
53 DLR AD 62 this Division held that– “The Court while deciding application about rejection of plaint is not permitted in law to travel beyond the averments made in the plaint.”
When a party in a pending proceeding willingly participate by filling a written statement instead of invoking provision of the Arbitration clause raising legal issue in a suit surrendering his jurisdiction of arbitration and thereby the provision of section 7 of the Arbitration Act become nugatory regarding the said proceeding. On a careful reading of the stipulations of clause 25 of the h¡wm¡­cn glj ew 2911 we are of the view that it can’t be treated as bar to sought relief in a suit claiming compensation. The terms and subjects of the said clause of arbitration as laid down specifically which are not the subject of the suit nor on a plain reading of the averment of the suit it appears that its touch the subject of clause 25 of the Agreement.
It civil suit is, therefore, never ipso facto intended to be barred in view of the existence of an arbitration clause in the agreement. The defendants take the plea of bar only for dragging the proceeding of the suit which is deprecated by this Division. This Division find no illegality and infirmity in the judgment of the High Court Division. The appeal having no merit. …Roads & Highway Department (RHD) =VS= Md. Nurul Islam, (Civil), 2019 (2) [7 LM (AD) 132] ....View Full Judgment

Roads & Highway Department (RHD) =VS= Md. Nurul Islam 7 LM (AD) 132
Section 7

Constitution of Bangladesh
Article 102
The Arbitration Act, 2001
Section 7
Restriction of judicial intervention in matters covered by arbitration agreement:
In the present case, clause 19.2 of the contracts dated 16.01.2008 entered into between the petitioner and the BPDB contains an arbitration clause stating that the arbitration shall be conducted in accordance with the Arbitration Act (Act No. 1 of 2001) of Bangladesh as at present in force and the place of arbitration shall be in Dhaka, Bangladesh, therefore, section 7 of the Arbitration Act, 2001 restricts judicial intervention in matters covered by arbitration agreement. Petitioner is trying to interpret the contract in the writ petitions which is impermissible, particularly when the petitioner is having a remedy to go for arbitration under the contract signed by the petitioner. Petitioner having signed contract with open eyes after reading the terms and conditions, it is unconscionable to raise these kinds of contention in the writ petitions. ...Energy Prima Ltd. Vs. Bangladesh & ors, (Civil), 8 SCOB [2016] HCD 84 ....View Full Judgment

Energy Prima Ltd. Vs. Bangladesh & ors 8 SCOB [2016] HCD 84
Sections 9(1) & (2)

Circumstances when the parties bound themselves for arbitration:
From a combined reading of the provisions of sub-Sections (1) & (2) under Section 9 of the Arbitration Act, it is crystal clear that a written arbitration agreement, either in a clause of a main contract or in a separate agreement, must exist in order to arbitrate any dispute between the parties. When (a) a written agreement containing the arbitration clause is signed by the parties or (b) if the parties through any written communication, which may be manual or digital, agree to arbitrate or (c) if one party makes a written claim containing a stipulation of holding arbitration in the event of denial of the claim and, in responding thereto, the second party though comes up with a defense as to material claim/s but remains silent about the proposal of holding arbitration, then, in those scenarios, the law of our country dictates the Courts to hold that the parties have bound themselves to go for arbitration. In addition thereto, if any special law prescribes for resolving a dispute through arbitration, either upon adopting the procedures laid down in the said special piece of legislation or in reference to the Arbitration Act, then, there shall not be any question as to having existence of any arbitration agreement. ...Agrocorp Int. Pte Ltd Vs. Vietnam Northern Food Corp., (Civil), 18 SCOB [2023] HCD 213 ....View Full Judgment

Agrocorp Int. Pte Ltd Vs. Vietnam Northern Food Corp 18 SCOB [2023] HCD 213
Sections 9, 12, 17

Arbitration Act, 2001 Sections 9, 12, 17 Absent of Arbitration agreement would not be a bar to arbitration when the parties consented mutually: In the case of international arbitration, this Court and, in the case of domestic arbitration, the District Judge Court is obligated to examine the issue as to whether there is an existence of an agreement between the parties for holding arbitration before entertaining an application under any provision/Section of the Arbitration Act. However, in absence of the arbitration agreement, if the parties decide to go for arbitration during pendency of an application under any Section of the Arbitration Act, they would be competent to proceed with arbitration in that the scheme of arbitration is founded on the mutual consent of the parties and there is no provision within the four corners of the Arbitration Act prohibiting initiation of arbitration proceeding during pendency of an arbitration application before this Court/the District Judge Court. ...Agrocorp Int. Pte Ltd Vs. Vietnam Northern Food Corp., (Civil), 18 SCOB [2023] HCD 213 ....View Full Judgment

Agrocorp Int. Pte Ltd Vs. Vietnam Northern Food Corp 18 SCOB [2023] HCD 213
Section 10

When parties to the suit submit themselves to the jurisdiction of the Civil Court, the dispute should not be referred to arbitration.
The defendant have submitted themselves to the jurisdiction of the Civil Court by filing written statement and contested the suit and thereby they failed to avail the opportunity of resorting to the arbitration by seeking stay of the suit before the Civil Court. Executive Chairman, BEPZA -Vs.- M/S. Abdul Mannan 3 ALR(2014)(1)(AD)168

Executive Chairman, BEPZA -Vs.- M/S. Abdul Mannan 3 ALR (AD) 168
Section 12

Code of Criminal Procedure [V of 1898]
Section 344 read with
Negotiable Instruments Act [XXVI of 1881]
Section 138 read with
Arbitration Act [I of 2001]
Section 12
Arbitration proceedings, which is of civil nature, private rights and obligations of the respective contending parties are determined including recovery of money by way of damages for the loss caused by cheques, if any, cause of action so has arisen under section 138 of the Act and under section 12 of the Arbitration Act are altogether distinct having different entailment/consequence, as such criminal proceedings cannot be stayed.
The High Court Division held that in the instant case, pursuant to business transaction the accused petitioner entered into respective agreements with the complainant opposite party to sell agricultural products locally which were imported by the said complainant. During the course of business the accused petitioner issued 4 (four) post dated cheques in question, which were ultimately dishonoured by the drawee bank with the remark “payment stopped by drawer”. In this regard, the categorical assertion of the opposite party is that vide clause 3.4 of the agreement the opposite party company can take any legal action against the petitioner under the Act of 1881 if the cheques are dishonoured for any reason whatsoever. As such, merely because there is arbitration proceeding pending under section 12 of the arbitration in between the contending parties the proceeding under section 138 of the Act cannot be stayed. Mushfequr Rahman -Vs.- The State (Criminal) 2019 ALR (HCD) Online 155 ....View Full Judgment

Mushfequr Rahman -Vs.- The State 2019 ALR (HCD) Online 155
Sections 12

Existence of an arbitration agreement is a pre-condition for invoking the power under sec 12 of the Arbitration Act:
If the parties to the arbitration have already devised a procedure for appointment of arbitrator/s, then the provisions of sub-Sections (2) to (13) under Section 12 of the Arbitration Act would have hardly any application. But in absence of any device agreed upon by the parties, the provisions of sub-Sections (2) to (13) under Section 12 of the Arbitration Act come into play. In both the above-mentioned paths, the implied precondition is that there must be the existence of an agreement between the parties to go for arbitration. In other words, in order to make the provisions of sub-Sections (1) to (13) under Section 12 of the Arbitration Act applicable, the parties must agree to resolve any dispute through arbitration; absence of an agreement among the parties to hold arbitration shall render the aforesaid provisions of the Arbitration Act nugatory. ...Agrocorp Int. Pte Ltd Vs. Vietnam Northern Food Corp., (Civil), 18 SCOB [2023] HCD 213 ....View Full Judgment

Agrocorp Int. Pte Ltd Vs. Vietnam Northern Food Corp 18 SCOB [2023] HCD 213
Section 12

Each party to appoint their own arbitrator to proceed arbitration expeditiously– The High Court Division held that the Court below did not commit any illegality either by rejecting the application for dismissal of the arbitration miscellaneous case or in appointing two arbitrators, and thereby discharged the Rule. Both partiers indicated that they would each wish to appoint their own Arbitrator. Consequently, the learned Advocate for the plaintiff-respondent herein suggested the name of Mr. Justice Md. Abdur Rashid, a retired Judge of the Supreme Court of Bangladesh, and the petitioner before us (defendant) suggested the name of Mr. Justice Moyeenul Islam Chowdhury, a retired Judge of the Supreme Court of Bangladesh as his nominated Arbitrator. Appellate Division asked both the learned Advocates appearing for the parties concerned whether they have any objection to such appointment, to which each indicated that his client does not have any objection. Since each party has chosen his own arbitrator and there is no objection from his opponent, let the matter of arbitration proceed expeditiously in accordance with law. The judgement and order of the High Court Division is set aside and the Civil Petition for Leave to Appeal No.1976 of 2021 is disposed of. ...Quamrul Huda =VS= Mohammad Nazrul Islam Alam, (Civil), 2021(2) [11 LM (AD) 56] ....View Full Judgment

Quamrul Huda =VS= Mohammad Nazrul Islam Alam 11 LM (AD) 56
Sections 13 & 14

A party to an arbitration agreement may challenge any arbitrator’s competency and impartiality by making a written representation to the arbitral tribunal within 30 (thirty) days of knowing about the incompetency or partiality of the concerned arbitrator. Ghulam Mohiuddin (Bhutto) -Vs.- Mrs. Rokeya Din and others (Spl. Original) 2019 ALR (HCD) Online 174 ....View Full Judgment

Ghulam Mohiuddin (Bhutto) -Vs.- Mrs. Rokeya Din and others 2019 ALR (HCD) Online 174
Sections 17, 19

The power to decide on the existence of a valid arbitration agreement has been conferred upon the arbitral tribunal not upon the learned District Judge:
After perusal of section 17(ka) read along with the other provisions of chapter 5 particularly section 19(1), 19(2) of the Arbitration Act, 2001, I am of the considered view that the power to decide on the existence of a valid arbitration agreement has been conferred upon the arbitral tribunal under a specific enactment of law by way of the Arbitration Act, 2001 and has not been conferred upon the learned District Judge. If the intention of the law was to confer simultaneous or parallel jurisdiction to the learned District Judge in that case the statutory provision of Section 17 would not have expressly contemplated and stated the power so unambiguously as it has been expressly and unambiguously stated in section 17 of the Arbitration Act, 2001 including section 17(ka-Uma) and for our purpose particularly section 17(ka) of the Arbitration Act, 2001. ...Anamika Corp. Ltd. & ors Vs. Humayun M. Chowdhury & ors, (Civil), 17 SCOB [2023] HCD 119 ....View Full Judgment

Anamika Corp. Ltd. & ors Vs. Humayun M. Chowdhury & ors 17 SCOB [2023] HCD 119
Section 17(ka)

The existence of an arbitration agreement may be decided by the civil court being the learned District Judge, but where the existence of an arbitration agreement so far as its validity is challenged or under question that question must be decided by the arbitral tribunal following the provisions of section 17(ka) of the Arbitration Act, 2001. ...Anamika Corp. Ltd. & ors Vs. Humayun M. Chowdhury & ors, (Civil), 17 SCOB [2023] HCD 119 ....View Full Judgment

Anamika Corp. Ltd. & ors Vs. Humayun M. Chowdhury & ors 17 SCOB [2023] HCD 119
Sections 17(ka), 19(2)(c)

The legislature has conferred the power to decide as to whether a valid arbitration agreement is in existence upon the tribunal only:
Section 19(2)(c) of the Act of 2001also contemplates a situation on the existence of an arbitration agreement when the arbitration agreement alleged by one party is not denied by the other. Therefore it is clear that to constitute a valid arbitration agreement within the meaning of the Act of 2001 the existence of the agreement must be agreed upon by both parties. In this case it is clear that the opposite parties denies the existence of the agreement itself. Therefore under the provisions of Section 17(ka) of the Arbitration Act, 2001 read with other provisions of the Act it is my considered view that the legislature has conferred the power to decide as to whether a valid arbitration agreement is in existence upon the tribunal only. ...Anamika Corp. Ltd. & ors Vs. Humayun M. Chowdhury & ors, (Civil), 17 SCOB [2023] HCD 119 ....View Full Judgment

Anamika Corp. Ltd. & ors Vs. Humayun M. Chowdhury & ors 17 SCOB [2023] HCD 119
Section 17

The Arbitration Act permits a party to an arbitration agreement to challenge the competency and impartiality of a single arbitrator or all the arbitrators by filing a written representation to the arbitral tribunal, so that the arbitral tribunal itself can give a decision on the aforesaid application for challenge. Also, if a party to the arbitration agreement raises question that the arbitral tribunal is not properly constituted, it is a mandatory duty of the arbitral tribunal to pass an Order on the issue. Ghulam Mohiuddin (Bhutto) -Vs.- Mrs. Rokeya Din and others (Spl. Original) 2019 ALR (HCD) Online 174 ....View Full Judgment

Ghulam Mohiuddin (Bhutto) -Vs.- Mrs. Rokeya Din and others 2019 ALR (HCD) Online 174
Section 19(1) and 19(2) r/w sec. 17(ka)

Section 19(1) provides that any objection challenging the jurisdiction of the tribunal shall not be raised later than the submissions of the statement of defence. Section 19(2) of the Act contemplate a situation where any objection may be raised that the tribunal is exceeding the scope of its authority in that event such objection shall be raised as soon as the allegation is raised. Therefore it clearly appears that section 19(1) and 19(2) read along with other provisions of chapter 5 including section 17(ka) also contemplate that an objection against the jurisdiction of the tribunal shall also be heard by the tribunal itself and not by any other forum. ...Anamika Corp. Ltd. & ors Vs. Humayun M. Chowdhury & ors, (Civil), 17 SCOB [2023] HCD 119 ....View Full Judgment

Anamika Corp. Ltd. & ors Vs. Humayun M. Chowdhury & ors 17 SCOB [2023] HCD 119
Section 20

A petitioner, who has invoked Section 20 of the Arbitration Act, is under a mandatory obligation to satisfy the High Court Division that all the conditions stipulated in clauses (a) to (c) of Section 20(2) of the Arbitration Act are satisfied be¬fore entertaining or registering an application. Ghulam Mohiuddin (Bhutto) -Vs.- Mrs. Rokeya Din and others (Spl. Original) 2019 ALR (HCD) Online 174 ....View Full Judgment

Ghulam Mohiuddin (Bhutto) -Vs.- Mrs. Rokeya Din and others 2019 ALR (HCD) Online 174
Section 20

The power invested in the High Court Division for entertaining an application under Section 20 of the Arbitration Act is not an independent power, for, it can be exercised by the High Court Division only upon being satisfied that (a) the determination of the question is likely to produce substantial savings in costs, (b) the application was submitted without any delay and (c) there is good reason why the matter should be decided by the Court. Ghulam Mohiuddin (Bhutto) -Vs.- Mrs. Rokeya Din and others (Spl. Original) 2019 ALR (HCD) Online 174 ....View Full Judgment

Ghulam Mohiuddin (Bhutto) -Vs.- Mrs. Rokeya Din and others 2019 ALR (HCD) Online 174
Section 20(2)

Section 20(2) of the Arbitration Act requires that the petitioner must simultaneously satisfy all the three conditions laid down in clauses (a) to (c) thereof, for, none of the clauses (a) to (c) ends up with the word ‘or’. Ghulam Mohiuddin (Bhutto) -Vs.- Mrs. Rokeya Din and others (Spl. Original) 2019 ALR (HCD) Online 174 ....View Full Judgment

Ghulam Mohiuddin (Bhutto) -Vs.- Mrs. Rokeya Din and others 2019 ALR (HCD) Online 174
Sections 23, 25, 42 and 43

Arbitral Tribunal is mandatorily required to follow the procedure and deal with the issues at dispute fairly and impartially—
Award by majority does not mean exclusion of the other member from the participation in deliberation. Where Arbitral Tribunal is composed of more than one member all the members must participate in the deliberation of the arbitral proceeding before the finalisation and signing of the award. Award made by violating the mandatory provision is not sustainable in the eye of law. M/S Saudi Bangladesh Services Company Ltd. Vs. Saudi Arabian Airlines Corporation 14 MLR (2009) (HC) 441.

M/S Saudi Bangladesh Services Company Ltd. Vs. Saudi Arabian Airlines Corporation 14 MLR (HC) 441
Section 23

As per section 23 of the Arbitration Act, the arbitrators are obligated to dispose of the disputes on perusal of evidence of the parties, if produced. So, there should be modalities how long and under what modes the arbitrators will maintain the evidences and other documents of the parties after giving the award, because those may be necessary for perusal in any legal proceeding if initiated challenging the award in the Court as mandated by law. ...Mitul Properties Ltd Vs. M.N.H. Bulu, (Civil), 18 SCOB [2023] HCD 257 ....View Full Judgment

.Mitul Properties Ltd Vs. M.N.H. Bulu 18 SCOB [2023] HCD 257
Section 24

As per Section 24 of the Arbitration Act, 2001 the arbitral tribunal in resolving disputes is not bound to follow the provisions of the Code of Civil Procedure and the Evidence Act, which signifies that the Tribunal in a given case is set to dispose of any dispute according to the terms and reference having set forth by them. ...Mitul Properties Ltd Vs. M.N.H. Bulu, (Civil), 18 SCOB [2023] HCD 257 ....View Full Judgment

.Mitul Properties Ltd Vs. M.N.H. Bulu 18 SCOB [2023] HCD 257
Section 27

The dispute as to the breach of conditions laid down in the PG itself is the subject matter of arbitration. The petitioner has already appointed arbitrator and, according to the provision of section 27 of the Act, the arbitration proceeding has already been commenced. The disputed question as to weather the PG has been placed in the bank, before or after it has expired, is to be decided by arbitrators, not by this court. Siemens Bangladesh Ltd vs RZ Power Ltd (Statutory Original) 17 BLC 772.

Siemens Bangladesh Ltd vs RZ Power Ltd (Statutory Original) 17 BLC 772
Section 30

read with Limitation Act, 1905; Article – 158
Section 30 of the Arbitration Act speaks as per Article 158 of the Limitation Act, if award is challenge it is to be filed within 30 days. All the Courts of this Subcontinent took view that Arbitration Act being a Special Act, 30 days of provision of mandatory not directory. Any appeal or objection challenging the award if filed after the period of 30 days shall not be entertained. M/s. Chittagong Steel Mills Ltd. Vs. M/s. T.M. Syndicate & Ors 20 BLT (HCD) 380.

M/s. Chittagong Steel Mills Ltd. Vs. M/s. T.M. Syndicate & Ors. 20 BLT (HCD) 380
Section 33

We have scrutinize the entire order sheet but we do not find any order giving entry of such bond or security. No application for filling his bond or security filed by the opposite party as such, it is clear that this bond or security placed in the record must be in connivance with some black under hand tricks stealthily which thus can not be accepted. Since there is no order entertaining this bond or security in record we are taken a back how the learned Judge work on it and accepted it when law does not permit him to do so. It may presume that bond was filed beyond the period prescribed proviso to section 33 of the Act, as such, there was no order entertaining the bond on record as such we can safely say that no bond has been filed. Md. Shah Alain Vs. Bd. Water Development Board & Ors 20 BLT (HCD) 181.

Md. Shah Alain Vs. Bd. Water Development Board & Ors. 20 BLT (HCD) 181
Sections 39, 42, 43 and 44

A combined reading of the provisions of sections 42, 43 and 39 of the Act, 2001 clearly shows that the only remedy open to a person who wants to set aside an arbitral award is to file an application under section 42 of the Act, 2001 within sixty days from the date of receipt of the award and after the expiry of the period of sixty days as envisaged in the section, the award becomes enforceable within the meaning of section 44 thereof and thus, jurisdiction of the civil Court has impliedly been barred if not expressly. In the context, we may also refer to section 9 of the Code which has clearly provided that the Courts shall have jurisdiction to try all suits of a civil nature excepting suits of which their cognizance is either expressly or impliedly barred and therefore, in view of the provision of section 42 of the Act, 2001, clause (d) of rule 11, Order VII of the Code is attracted. .....Md. Nurul Abser =VS= Alhaj Golam Rabbani & others, (Civil), 2016-[1 LM (AD) 212] ....View Full Judgment

Md. Nurul Abser =VS= Alhaj Golam Rabbani & others 1 LM (AD) 212
Sections 39, 42, 43 and 44

A combined reading of the provisions of sections 42, 43 and 39 of the Act, 2001 clearly shows that the only remedy open to a person who wants to set aside an arbitral award is to file an application under section 42 of the Act, 2001 within sixty days from the date of receipt of the award and after the expiry of the period of sixty days as envisaged in the section, the award becomes enforceable within the meaning of section 44 thereof and thus, jurisdiction of the civil Court has impliedly been barred if not expressly. In the context, we may also refer to section 9 of the Code which has clearly provided that the Courts shall have jurisdiction to try all suits of a civil nature excepting suits of which their cognizance is either expressly or impliedly barred and therefore, in view of the provision of section 42 of the Act, 2001, clause (d) of rule 11, Order VII of the Code is attracted. …Md. Nurul Abser Vs Alhaj Golam Rabbani & ors, (Civil), 6 SCOB [2016] AD 54 ....View Full Judgment

Md. Nurul Abser Vs Alhaj Golam Rabbani & ors 6 SCOB [2016] AD 54
Sections 42 and 43

Setting aside arbitral award on the grounds enumerated u/s 43—
read with
Contract Act, 1872—
Section 73— Not attracted in the instant case—
The appellant claimed compensation on account of delay in. completion of the project. The Arbitration Tribunal did not allow compensation on account of the delay. The District Judge refused to set aside the award as there was no such ground as enumerated under section 43 of the Arbitration Act, 2001. The High Court Division held section 73 of the Contract Act, 1872 is not attracted in the instant case. It is further held arbitral award can only be set aside when it is opposed to law and public policy, excessive, malafide and not based on materials on record. As the arbitral award does not suffer from any infirmity the learned judges of the High Court Division dismissed the appeal. Bangladesh Power Development Board and others Vs. M/s Arab Contractors (BD) Ltd. and others 15 MLR (2010) (AD) 153.

Bangladesh Power Development Board and others Vs. M/s Arab Contractors (BD) Ltd. and others 15 MLR (AD) 153
Sections 42 & 43

The High Court Division was right in holding that the 3rd arbitrator was neither consulted nor given an opportunity by the Chairman to deliberate and express his views on the issues before making and signing the award in question. Saudi Arabian Airlines Corporation vs Saudi Bangladesh Services Company Ltd 15 BLC (AD) 156.

Saudi Arabian Airlines Corporation vs Saudi Bangladesh Services Company Ltd. 15 BLC (AD) 156
Section 42

The term “জেলা জজ আদালত” as mentioned in Section 2(Kha) of the Arbitration Act, will be deemed as the ‘Court of District Judge’, not ‘persona designata’ for carrying out the object under Section 42 of the Arbitration Act, and any decision to be passed in a proceeding under Section 42 of the Act is amenable to revisional jurisdiction under the code of Civil Procedure. ...Mitul Properties Ltd Vs. M.N.H. Bulu, (Civil), 18 SCOB [2023] HCD 257 ....View Full Judgment

.Mitul Properties Ltd Vs. M.N.H. Bulu 18 SCOB [2023] HCD 257
Sections 42 and 43

Setting aside the arbitral award on ground of being opposed to law and public policy—
Section 73— Counter claim based on remote and indirect consequence is not admissible—
The dispute in the instant case was referred to a three-member arbitration tribunal which made the impugned award. The third member gave a dissenting note as he was not given the opportunity of participation in the deliberation. The Arbitration Tribunal did not allow the counter claim based on remote and indirect consequences as provided under section 73 of the Contract Act, 1872 with which the apex court concurred, but held that in order to be sustainable the award must be by majority upon participation of all the members of the tribunal which is the requirement of law. As the impugned award has not been passed in accordance with law and is opposed to public policy the High Court Division set-aside the same which the Appellate Division upheld. Saudi Arabian Air Lines Corporation, represented by its Country Manager Vs. M/S Saudi Bangladesh Services Company Ltd, represented by its Managing Director 15 MLR (2010) (AD) 153.

Saudi Arabian Air Lines Corporation, represented by its Country Manager Vs. M/S Saudi Bangladesh Services Company Ltd, represented by its Managing Director 15 MLR (AD) 153
Section 42(2) r/w section 43

The Arbitral tribunal travelled beyond its jurisdiction by entertaining and deciding issues which has not been referred to by the contending sides– The issues framed for determination by the arbitral tribunal it appears that no such issue was framed to determine whether the Department would get anything because it made no counter claim against the clamant company. Since there was no counter claim the tribunal rightly did not frame any issue on it. But passing an award of taka six crores and odd or the reduced amount of taka three crores and odd in favour the Department the tribunal has travelled beyond the terms of reference and as such the same is beyond its jurisdiction.
It is held that the High Court Division did not commit any illegality in setting aside the award on the ground of lack of jurisdiction. Thus, Appellate Division does not find any reason to interfere with the impugned judgment and order of the High Court Divi-sion. ...Ministry of Communication, BD =VS= Startus Construction, (Civil), 2021(2) [11 LM (AD) 89] ....View Full Judgment

Ministry of Communication, Bangladesh =VS= Startus Construction 11 LM (AD) 89
Section 42

সালিশ আইন, ২০০১ এর ধারা ৪২ ও তামাদি আইনের ৫, ২৯(২) ধারাঃ
ধারা ৪২ সহজ পাঠে এটি কাঁচের মত স্পষ্ট যে, সালিশী রোয়েদাদ প্রাপ্তির ৬০ (ষাট) দিনের মধ্যে সংক্ষুব্ধ পক্ষকে বাংলাদেশ অনুষ্ঠিত আন্তর্জাতিক বাণিজ্যিক সালিশী রোয়েদাদ বাতিলের ক্ষেত্রে হাইকোর্ট বিভাগ এবং আন্তর্জাতিক বাণিজ্যিক সালিশ প্রদত্ত রোয়েদাদ ব্যতীত সালিশী আইন, ২০০১ এর অধীন প্রদত্ত সালিশী রোয়েদাদ বাতিলের ক্ষেত্রে জেলা জজ আদালতে আবেদন দাখিল করতে হবে। যেহেতু সালিশী আইন, ২০০১ এর ৪২ ধারায় দরখাস্ত দায়ের ৬০ (ষাট) দিন সময় প্রদত্ত হয়েছে সেহেতু তামাদী আইনের ২৯(২) ধারার বিধান মোতাবেক তামাদি আইনের ৫ ধারা প্রযোজ্য নয়। ফলে সালিশী আইন, ২০০১ এর ৪২ ধারায় বর্ণিত ৬০ (ষাট) দিন অতিবাহিত হওয়ার পর রোয়েদাদ বাতিলের দরখাস্ত আইন দ্বারা বারিত। ...বিগ বস কর্পোরেশন লিমিটেড বনাম আর্মি ওয়েলফেয়ার ট্রাস্ট Big Boss Corporation Limited Vs. Army Welfare Trust, (Civil), 17 SCOB [2023] HCD 57 ....View Full Judgment

Big Boss Corporation Limited Vs. Army Welfare Trust 17 SCOB [2023] HCD 57
Section 43

Arbitration award– Order sheet of the arbitration proceeding and the judgment of the High Court Division. We do not find any element as provided in section 43 of the Arbitration Act, 2001 for setting aside the arbitral award in the pleadings and other materials produced by the respondent. We also did not find any allegation and proof of fraud or corruption or the arbitration award has been made in contravention of law or the arbitrator have failed to give reasons in the arbitration award. The High Court Division has committed error of law in setting aside the arbitral award of the majority arbitrators. We find substances in this appeal. ...Saudi Arabian Airlines Corporation =VS= M/S Saudi Bangladesh Services Co. Ltd., (Civil), 2021(1) [10 LM (AD) 212] ....View Full Judgment

Saudi Arabian Airlines Corporation =VS= M/S Saudi Bangladesh Services Co. Ltd. 10 LM (AD) 212
Section 43 (1)(b) (ii) and (iii)

The factual and contractual positions are matters for decision of the Arbitrator and as such, unless there appears to be gross illegality, neither the High Court Division nor this Division would enter into the merit of such arguments. .....TATA Power Company Ltd. =VS= M/S Dynamic Construction, (Civil), 2016-[1 LM (AD) 456] ....View Full Judgment

TATA Power Company Ltd. =VS= M/S Dynamic Construction 1 LM (AD) 456
Section 43

The Arbitration Act, 2001
Section 43
Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission Act
Section 40
The Substantive PPA and the Supplemental PPA-2 originated from the Private Sector Power Generation Policy of Bangladesh, 1996 and the subsequent Land Lease Agreement and Implementation Agreements executed between the Government and SPL which are indeed sovereign contracts and the Supplemental PPA-2 originated thereform cannot be termed as commercial contract. Further it would transpired from the perusal of Supplemental PPA-2 that different clauses of the agreement referred to the Substantive PPA in various ways, and as such it is clear that the Supplemental Power Purchase Agreement-2 is a continuation of the Substantive PPA of 2000 and it is not a fresh contract. ––Appellate Division is of the view that the Arbitral Tribunal constituted by the BERC had no jurisdiction to arbitrate the dispute referred by the SPL pursuant to the Clause 15.3 of the Substantive Agreement dated 10.02.2000 executed between the parties and as such arbitration proceeding and award passed by the said Tribunal are liable to be declared without lawful authority and of no legal effect. .....Bangladesh Rural Electrification Board =VS= Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission, (Civil), 2023(1) [14 LM (AD) 509] ....View Full Judgment

Bangladesh Rural Electrification Board =VS= Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission 14 LM (AD) 509
Sections 45 and 46

On a careful exa­mination of sections 45 and 46 of the Arbitration Act, 2001 it appears that there is a forum, for seeking remedy against the execution of an Arbitration Award but the opposite-party No. 1 without making an application under section 46 of the Arbitration Act made an application under Order XXI, rule 29 of the Code. Therefore, in the facts and circumstances of the case vis-a-vis the provision of section 46 of the Arbitration Act, 2001 the grievance of the learned Advocate for the petitioner does not appear to be without substance. The learned District Judge seriously erred in law in passing the impugned order without properly applying his judicial mind into the facts and circumstances of the case and law bearing on the subject and the same has resulted in an error in the impugned decision occasioning failure of justice. Smith Co-Generation (BD) Private Limited vs Bangladesh PDB 15 BLC 704.

Smith Co-Generation (BD) Private Limited vs Bangladesh PDB 15 BLC 704
Section 53

Once a party to an arbitration agreement approaches any Court, all the parties to the said arbitration agreement shall have to go to that Court for filing any additional or consequential or ancillary or any independent application, until the arbitral proceedings finally comes to an end. Ghulam Mohiuddin (Bhutto) -Vs.- Mrs. Rokeya Din and others (Spl. Original) 2019 ALR (HCD) Online 174 ....View Full Judgment

Ghulam Mohiuddin (Bhutto) -Vs.- Mrs. Rokeya Din and others 2019 ALR (HCD) Online 174
Section 53

There are two vital aspects of the provisions of Section 53 of the Arbitration Act. The first aspect is that through its non-obstante provisions, it seeks to herald that irrespective of any statements, stipulations and provisions to the contrary made in the Arbitration Act, or any other law, the pro-visions of Section 53 of the Arbitration Act shall stand. The second aspect is - if any party to the arbitration agreement registers its name in a Court for any purpose, that Court shall assume jurisdiction over the arbitration agreement and arbitral agreement in whose connection a party have moved before the Court. Ghulam Mohiud-din (Bhutto) -Vs.- Mrs. Rokeya Din and others (Spl. Original) 2019 ALR (HCD) Online 174 ....View Full Judgment

Ghulam Mohiuddin (Bhutto) -Vs.- Mrs. Rokeya Din and others 2019 ALR (HCD) Online 174
Section 53

The specific jurisdictions conferred upon the High Court Division, thus, are not meant to have been taken away by the pro-visions of Section 53 of the Arbitration Act. Ghulam Mohiuddin (Bhutto) -Vs.- Mrs. Rokeya Din and others (Spl. Original) 2019 ALR (HCD) Online 174 ....View Full Judgment

Ghulam Mohiuddin (Bhutto) -Vs.- Mrs. Rokeya Din and others 2019 ALR (HCD) Online 174
A legal notice cannot be construed

Appointment of Arbitrators under the Arbitration Act, 2001:
A legal notice cannot be construed as a notice for arbitration and a notice for arbitration cannot be addressed to the Advocate of the concerned party:
A legal notice cannot be construed as a notice for arbitration nor a notice for arbitration can be addressed to the Advocate for the concerned party. A notice for arbitration must be designated as such and be addressed directly to the party concerned. Even if a party on receipt of such a notice for arbitration does not respond or proceed for arbitration then the notice giver party should approach the concerned District Judge for appointment of Arbitrators under the Arbitration Act, 2000. The door for settlement of above dispute through arbitration is still open for the parties of this proceeding. .....Adv. Abu Saleh Ahmadul Hasan Vs. The State, (Criminal), 19 SCOB [2024] HCD 161 ....View Full Judgment

Adv. Abu Saleh Ahmadul Hasan Vs. The State 19 SCOB [2024] HCD 161