Bar Against Even Number Of Arbitrators Is Not Attracted In Case Of Statutory Arbitration U/S 18(3) Of MSMED Act: Calcutta HC

The Calcutta High Court has ruled that the "bar against even number of arbitrators in Section 10 ACA is not attracted in case of statutory arbitration under Section 18(3) MSMED Act." Section 10 of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act (ACA) generally requires an odd number of arbitrators to avoid deadlocks. However, this ruling clarifies that this specific provision does not apply to statutory arbitrations mandated by special laws like Section 18(3) of the MSMED Act (Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Act). This distinction ensures that unique statutory arbitration mechanisms are not hampered by general procedural rules.