If Dispute Is Arbitrable, Court Cannot Refuse To Refer Parties To Arbitration U/S 8 Of Arbitration Act: Gauhati High Court

The Gauhati High Court ruled that a dispute is arbitrable, and the court cannot refuse to refer parties to arbitration under Section 8 of the Arbitration Act. The case involved a contractual dispute where one party sought to avoid arbitration by filing a suit in court. The court emphasized that if a valid arbitration agreement exists, the court must refer the parties to arbitration, as per Section 8 of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996. This ruling reinforces the principle of upholding arbitration agreements and ensuring that disputes are resolved through arbitration as agreed by the parties. It highlights the importance of respecting contractual agreements and the role of arbitration in dispute resolution.