Court Can Extend Mandate Of Arbitrator Multiple Times If Sufficient Cause Is Shown U/S 29A(5) Of Arbitration Act: Calcutta HC

The Calcutta High Court has ruled that "courts are not prohibited from extending the mandate of an arbitrator multiple times if sufficient cause is shown" under Section 29A(5) of the Arbitration Act. This judgment clarifies that while the Arbitration Act sets time limits for awards, courts retain discretionary power to extend an arbitrator's tenure repeatedly if justifiable reasons are presented. This flexibility is crucial to ensure that complex arbitration proceedings can reach a conclusion, preventing the premature termination of mandates due to unforeseen delays or challenges.