Pendency Of Civil Or Criminal Litigation Between Partners Cannot Estop Either Partner From Invoking Arbitration Clause: Punjab and Haryana HC

The Punjab and Haryana High Court ruled that the pendency of civil or criminal litigation between partners cannot prevent one partner from invoking an arbitration clause. The case involved a dispute between partners, with one partner seeking to invoke an arbitration clause despite ongoing civil or criminal proceedings. The court held that the presence of litigation between the partners does not bar the invocation of arbitration, emphasizing the contractual rights of parties to seek alternative dispute resolution. This ruling clarifies the application of arbitration clauses in partnership agreements and strengthens the enforcement of contractual rights to arbitration.