Professional Documents
Culture Documents
TC 17 (Petitioners)
TC 17 (Petitioners)
TC 17 (Petitioners)
In the matter of
V.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS....................................................................................................3
INDEX OF AUTHORITIES......................................................................................................4
STATEMENT OF JURISDICTION..........................................................................................6
STATEMENT OF FACTS.........................................................................................................7
ISSUES RAISED.......................................................................................................................9
SUMMARY OF ARGUMENTS.............................................................................................10
ARGUMENTS ADVANCED..................................................................................................12
PRAYER..................................................................................................................................25
MEMORIAL for PETITIONER
2
DME NATIONAL MOOT COURT COMPETITION 2024
LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS
@ Alias
Anr. Another
Art. Article
Dr. Doctor
Ed. Edition
HC High Court
Hon’ble Honourable
Mr. Mister
Ors. Others
§ Section
Sd/- Signed
SC Supreme Court
INDEX OF AUTHORITIES
Cases:
Statues:
International Convention(s):
Books:
Reports:
1. 222nd Report of the Law Commission of India on NEED FOR JUSTICE-
DISPENSATION THROUGH ADR, etc. (2009).
2. 246th Report of the Law Commission of India on AMENDMENTS TO THE
ARBITRATION AND CONCILIATION ACT 1996 (2014).
Commentaries:
1. Commentary on Arbitration & Conciliation Act in 2 Vols. by Justice R.P. Sethi – 4th
Edition 2023.
2. Commentary on The Arbitration And Conciliation Act by Justice S.M. Jhunjhunwala (10th
Edition 2023).
3. Arbitration and Conciliation, A Commentary (EBC Webstore).
Legal Databases:
1. www.epw.in
2. www.jstor.org
3. www.manupatra.com
4. www.scconline.com
5. www.westlawindia.com
STATEMENT OF JURISDICTION
The jurisdiction of the Hon’ble High Court of Kaharashtra has been invoked under Section
34 of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996 of Indica.
STATEMENT OF FACTS
1. Kalaysia is a Southeast Asian country with significant oil and gas reserves. Kabah and
Karawak, located on the island of Korneo, are pivotal areas for the oil and gas industry
in Kalaysia.
5. For the fourth transaction, AMSPL enlisted an alternative transporter to BMRPL i.e.
TransSwift Logistics Pvt. Ltd. (“TSLPL”), and this resulted in oil barrels deviating from
agreed standards upon delivery. Similarly, the fifth transaction was also carried out by
TSLPL which faced delayed delivery due to weather conditions.
7. PPIPL designated Mr. Vipin Asari & AMSPL appointed Dr. Robert Zane as its
arbitrator. Due to disagreement, apex court appointed Ms. Donna Paulson as the
presiding arbitrator.
9. The Arbitral Tribunal ruled in favour of AMSPL, awarding payments for the fourth and
fifth shipments, along with interest and costs, rejecting PPIPL's claims.
10. Post-award, PPIPL discovered undisclosed potential conflicts of interest regarding Dr.
Robert Zane, the arbitrator appointed by AMSPL. PPIPL is challenging the award in
court, alleging Dr. Robert Zane's potential conflict of interest based on his law firm's
past representation of AMSPL and his professional relationship with Mr. Daniel
Hardman.
ISSUES RAISED
- ISSUE 1-
-ISSUE 2-
-ISSUE 3-
-ISSUE 4-
SUMMARY OF ARGUMENTS
The application to set aside the arbitration is considered valid under the Arbitration and
Conciliation Act, 1996. The petitioner challenges the arbitral award on grounds of
procedural irregularities and potential bias of the arbitrator, Dr. Zane. The petitioner
asserts that Dr. Zane's appointment raises concerns about impartiality due to his firm's
prior representation of AMSPL, one of the parties involved, in a separate legal matter. This
relationship should have been disclosed as mandated by Section 12 of the Act. Failure to
disclose violates principles of natural justice and undermines confidence in the arbitration
process. Moreover, Dr. Zane's ongoing professional relationship with Mr. Daniel Hardman
constitutes a conflict of interest under Schedule Seven, Item 6 of the Act. This ongoing
connection was not revealed, depriving the petitioner of the chance to assess potential bias.
According to Section 14(1) of the Act, an arbitrator found ineligible must be replaced. In
light of these arguments, the petitioner requests the court to set aside the arbitral award and
recognize Dr. Zane's ineligibility as an arbitrator due to his undisclosed relationships with
AMSPL and Mr. Hardman.
The argument addresses the question of whether the court can hear legal proceedings
against TransSwift Logistics Pvt. Ltd. (TSLPL) regarding a dispute over oil barrel
delivery. Despite not directly signing the contract, TSLPL's participation as an alternative
transporter for specific transactions warrants their involvement in the dispute. This claim
is supported by the Group of Companies doctrine, which allows non-signatories to be
bound under certain conditions. TSLPL's relationship with AMSPL can be seen as an
agency agreement, justifying their role in the proceedings. Additionally, TSLPL's failure
to fulfil contract obligations establishes its liability and necessitates legal recourse.
Therefore, the petitioner argues that the court has jurisdiction to entertain legal
proceedings against TSLPL to seek compensation for losses resulting from their breach
of contract.
MEMORIAL for PETITIONER
10
DME NATIONAL MOOT COURT COMPETITION 2024
The arbitration agreement between PPIPL and AMSPL is guided by the Arbitration and
Conciliation Act,1996. The seat of arbitration being Kumbai India, as the parties were
free to choose given under Section 20, gives inherent jurisdiction to the High Court of
Kaharashtra over all aspects related to the arbitration proceedings. The High Court of
Kaharashtra derives its civil original jurisdiction from Section 2 ((1)(e)(ii). As per the
guidelines of the SC in Indus Mobile Distribution Private Limited v. Datawind
Innovations Private Limited, the court of the place where the seat of arbitration is has
jurisdiction to regulate the arbitral proceedings. Section 13 provides the procedure to
challenge an arbitrator. An application for setting aside an arbitral award can be made
under Section 34, before the Court. An arbitral award can be set aside on grounds of
“reasonable apprehension of bias” of the arbitrator’s partiality in the arbitration
proceedings. The prior representation of AMSPL by Dr. Robert Zane’s law firm and the
continuing relationship between Dr. Zane and Legal Counsel Daniel Hardman,
establishes an apprehension of bias. The court can decide the arbitrator’s entitlement of
fees after an arbitral award is set aside as per section 13(6). High Court of Kaharashtra
can initiate legal proceedings against the arbitrator, Dr. Robert Zane.
despite AMSPL's breach raises concerns about the fairness of the arbitration process and
the adequacy of the award. In conclusion, the petitioner argues that the combination of
potential bias of the arbitrator, procedural irregularities, and the rejection of PPIPL's valid
claims necessitates setting aside the arbitral award dated 30.11.2023.
ARGUMENTS ADVANCED
1. The Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996 (“Act”), governs the arbitration
proceedings between the parties. Clause 8.2 of the Long-Term Contract for sale 1
explicitly stipulates that disputes unresolved through negotiation shall be referred to
arbitration. Therefore, the arbitration agreement is a binding contract between the
parties, and any challenge to the arbitral award falls within the jurisdiction of the
Kaharashtra High Court as per the Act.
2. The petitioner submits that there are valid grounds for challenging the arbitral award,
including procedural irregularities and potential bias on the part of the appointed
arbitrator. These grounds are recognized under Section 34 of the Act, 2, which allows
for the setting aside of an arbitral award under certain conditions. 3
3. Nemo Judex In Causa Sua which stands for rule against bias, is a core principle of
Natural Justice. It is the minimal requirement of natural justice that the authority
giving decisions must be composed of impartial persons acting fairly, without
prejudice and bias.4
4. Dr. Zane was appointed as arbitrator by AMSPL 5, his law firm represented AMSPL in
a separate legal matter before the Indica Commercial Court. 6 This prior representation
and connections with AMSPL raise concerns about his ability to be impartial in the
current arbitration involving the same company. In the case of Baidyanath
1
Exhibit A, Clause 8, 8.2, Moot Proposition.
2
Arbitration And Conciliation Act, 1996, § 34.
3
Baidyanath Mahapatra v. State of Orissa, (1989) 4 SCC 664.
4
A.K. Kraipak v. Union of India, (1969) 2 SCC 262.
5
Para XI, Moot Proposition.
6
Para XV (1), Moot Proposition.
Mohapatra v. State of Orissa7, the Supreme Court quashed the order of the tribunal
confirming premature retirement on the ground that the chairman of the tribunal was
also a member of the review committee which had recommended premature
retirement.
5. Section 12 of the Act8 imposes a duty on arbitrators to disclose any circumstances that
may give rise to doubts regarding their independence or impartiality. This includes
past or present relationships with any party involved in the arbitration.
7. It is humbly submitted that Dr. Zane's continuous relationship with AMSPL creates
reasonable apprehensions as to his impartiality as an arbitrator. It was the duty of Dr.
Zane, at the stage of appointment to inform regarding the existence of any relationship
or interest that is likely to give rise to reasonable doubt which Dr. Zane failed to do
and was later discovered by PPIPL by its reliable sources which is a clear violation of
the principles of appointing a neutral arbitrator.
8. The essence of any arbitration process lies in the arbitrator's independence and
impartiality, which are fundamental principles of justice. 10 These principles are akin to
the rule against bias in judicial and quasi-judicial settings. The failure to disclose a
prior relationship with one of the parties undermines the perception of impartiality
and erodes public confidence in the arbitration process. The inviolable requirement of
independence and impartiality in arbitral decision making have been emphasized by
the Supreme Court inter alia in Voestalpine and Jaipur Zila Dugdh Utpadak Sahkari
Sangh Limited v. Ajay Sales & Suppliers.11
9. It is humbly submitted that as per Section 12(1)(a) of the Act 12, it has to be given in
writing that Dr. Zane has a prior relationship with AMSPL which was not provided in
7
Baidyanath Mahapatra v. State of Orissa, (1989) 4 SCC 664.
8
Arbitration And Conciliation Act, 1996, § 12.
9
Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996, § 12(3)(a).
10
Jaipur Zila Dugdh Utpadak Sahari Sangh Ltd. v. Ajay Sales & Suppliers, (2021) 17 SCC 248.
11
Id.
12
Arbitration And Conciliation Act, 1996, § 12(1)(a).
writing. The petitioner contends that the failure to disclose Dr. Zane's previous
professional relationship with AMSPL constitutes a violation of the principles of
Natural Justice. Natural Justice requires that parties to a dispute have confidence in
the impartiality of the decision-maker.
10. Reasonable apprehension of bias in the mind of a reasonable man can be a ground for
removal of the arbitrator.13
III. There lies a continuing relationship of Dr. Zane with Mr. Hardman:
11. The petitioner contends that Dr. Zane's ongoing professional relationship with Mr.
Daniel Hardman, who serves as AMSPL's legal counsel 14, establishes a continuing
connection with AMSPL. This relationship raises concerns about Dr. Zane's
impartiality and renders him ineligible for appointment as an arbitrator under the Act.
12. Section 12(5) of the Act15, in conjunction with Schedule Seven, Item 6 16, provides that
an arbitrator is considered ineligible for appointment if they fall under any of the
categories listed in the Seventh Schedule.17
13. Dr. Zane shares a professional relationship with Mr. Daniel Hardman, AMSPL's legal
counsel by being speakers at conference18, establishing a continuing relationship. This
continuing professional relationship falls within the purview of Schedule Seven, item
6, which prohibits the appointment of individuals who have a close connection with
any of the parties to the dispute.
14. Dr. Zane's failure to disclose his ongoing professional relationship with AMSPL's
legal counsel constitutes a violation of his duty to disclose under Section 12 of the
Act.19
15. The failure to disclose this continuing relationship deprived the petitioner of the
opportunity to assess Dr. Zane's potential bias and make an informed decision
regarding the arbitration process.
13
Govt. of T.N. v. Munuswamy Mudaliar, 1988 Supp SCC 651.
14
Para XV (1), Moot Proposition.
15
Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996, § 12(5).
16
Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996, sch. 7, item 6.
17
HRD Corporation v. GAIL (India) Ltd., MANU/SC/1066/2017.
18
Para XV (2), Moot Proposition.
19
Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996, § 12.
16. Section 12(5)20 read with the Seven Schedule makes it very clear that if the arbitrator
falls under any of the categories mentioned under the Seventh Schedule, the arbitrator
is considered ineligible for the appointment as an arbitrator to the dispute and will be
substituted by another arbitrator under Section 14(1) of the Act21.
17. In light of these arguments, Dr. Zane's continuing relationship with AMSPL which he
failed to disclose makes him ineligible to be appointed as arbitrator. Ergo, the
petitioner humbly submits that this makes the application for setting aside the arbitral
award maintainable before the court.
20
See av note 9.
21
Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996, § 14(1).
1. TSLPL is the company that was enlisted as an alternative transporter to BMRPL for
the Fourth and the Fifth Transactions, for the delivery of oil barrels to PPIPL.22
2. The petitioner acknowledges that TSLPL was not a direct party to the Long-Term
Contract for Sale between PPIPL and AMSPL. However, TSLPL became involved in
the dispute when AMSPL enlisted them as an alternative transporter for the fourth and
fifth transactions.23
3. Despite not being a signatory to the contract, TSLPL's actions directly impacted the
delivery and quality of the commodity, which are central issues in the arbitration
proceedings.
4. Therefore, the petitioner asserts that TSLPL should be considered a necessary and
proper party to the dispute, and legal proceedings against TSLPL fall within the
jurisdiction of the court.
5. In Cox & Kings Ltd. v. SAP India (P) Ltd., 24 the court examined the ‘Group of
Companies’ doctrine, binding non-signatories to an arbitration agreement, based on
Section 2(h)25 and Section 7 of the Act. 26 In the judgement it was held “an arbitration
agreement may be binding on parties, whether signatories or non-signatories,
provided there is sufficient legal basis to bind them. Most legal bases for binding non-
signatories to an arbitration agreement are of contractual origin, like agency.”
6. It is humbly submitted before the court that, TSLPL is under a contract of agency
22
Para VIII, Moot Proposition.
23
Id.
24
Cox & Kings Ltd. v. SAP India (P) Ltd., (2022) 8 SCC 1.
25
Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996, § 2(h).
26
Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996, §7.
with AMSPL, which can be substantiated by the issuing of bill of lading, is covered
under the ambit of the ‘Group of Companies’ doctrine.
8. In the case of ONGC Ltd. v. Discovery Enterprises (P) Ltd.28, the Supreme Court held
that “there are multiple factors that ought to be considered before binding non-
signatories to arbitration. This included the parties ‘mutual intent, relationship of a
non-signatory to the signatory, commonality of subject matter, composite transaction,
and performance of the contract.”
10. It is humbly submitted before the court that TSLPL had a contractual relationship to
facilitate the transport services for AMSPL establishing a relationship between the
non-signatory to the signatory.
11. TSLPL's failure to deliver the commodity per the agreed-upon standards outlined in
the Contract constitutes a breach of their contractual obligations. As such, they may
be held liable for damages or other remedies arising from this breach. By failing to
deliver the commodity by the contractual terms, TSLPL breached its obligations and
may be held liable for damages or other remedies.
12. TSLPL's involvement in the transaction, their contractual relationship with AMSPL,
and the application of the Group of Companies doctrine justify their inclusion as a
27
Para III, Moot Proposition.
28
ONGC Ltd. v. Discovery Enterprises (P) Ltd., (2022) 8 SCC 42.
necessary and proper party to the dispute. Legal proceedings against TSLPL are
necessary to seek redress for the losses incurred due to their failure to fulfill their
contractual obligations.
29
Exhibit-A, Clause 8.3, Moot Proposition.
30
Arbitration And Conciliation Act, 1996, § 2(1)(e)(ii).
31
Arbitration And Conciliation Act, 1996, § 20.
32
Exhibit-A, Clause 8.4, Moot Proposition.
33
Indus Mobile Distribution Private Limited vs. Datawind Innovations Private Limited and Ors.,
MANU/SC/0456/2017.
34
BGS Soma JV v. NHPC Ltd.,(2020) 4 SCC 234.
35
Aniket SA Investments LLC v. Janapriya Engineers Syndicate, (2021) SCC OnLine Bom 919.
36
Exhibit-A, Clause 8.4, Moot Proposition.
37
Arbitration And Conciliation Act, 1996, § 13.
38
Arbitration And Conciliation Act, 1996, § 13(5).
39
Arbitration And Conciliation Act, 1996, § 34.
40
Arbitration And Conciliation Act, 1996, § 34(2)(b)(ii).
41
Vinod Bhaiyalal Jain v Wadhwani Parmeshwari Cold Storage Pvt. Ltd, (2020) 15 SCC 726.
42
Arbitration And Conciliation Act, 1996, § 13(6).
(b) Non- disclosure of prior association by Dr. Zane raises concern about
impartiality-
43
Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996, § 34(2)(b)(ii).
44
Vinod Bhaiyalal Jain v. Wadhwani Parmeshwari Cold Storage (P) Ltd., (2020) 15 SCC 726.
45
Venture Global Engineering. v. Satyam Computer Services Ltd., (2010) 8 SCC 660.
6. Dr. Zane’s failure to disclose his prior relationship with AMSPL at the time of his
appointment, or throughout the arbitral proceedings, is a serious lapse on the part of
Dr. Zane and creates further suspicions on the intentions and impartiality of Dr. Zane.
7. Section 12(1)(a)46 requires a person approached in connection with his possible
appointment as an arbitrator, to disclose in writing any circumstances that are likely to
give justifiable doubts as to his independence or impartiality as an arbitrator. Section
12(3)(a)47 lays out the grounds of challenge to an arbitrator if “justifiable doubts” exist
in relation to his “independence or impartiality”.
8. The Delhi High Court, in the case of Ram Kumar and Anr. v Shriram Transport
Finance Co. Ltd48., on an arbitrator’s failure to disclose under Section 12(1), held
that: “since the grounds giving rise to justifiable doubts as to impartiality exist, failure
to make such disclosure vitiates the arbitral proceedings and the impugned award.”
9. “It is necessary to note that the language of Section 12(1) of the Act does not leave it
at the discretion of any person, approached in connection with being appointed as an
arbitrator, to make the necessary disclosures. The use of the words “he shall disclose”
in Section 12(1) of the Act makes it mandatory for the person who is approached in
connection with his possible appointment as an arbitrator, to disclose all
circumstances that may give rise to justifiable doubts as to his independence and
impartiality.”49
10. No such disclosure was made by Dr. Zane at the time of his appointment or
throughout the course of the arbitral proceedings.
46
Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996, § 12(1)(a).
47
Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996, § 12(3)(a).
48
Ram Kumar and Ors. vs. Shriram Transport Finance Co. Ltd., MANU/DE/4941/2022.
49
Id.
50
Para XIII, Moot Proposition.
51
Interplay between Arbitration Agreements under the Arbitration & Conciliation Act, 1996 & the Indian Stamp
Act, 1899, In re, 2023 SCC OnLine SC 1666.
52
The Indian Stamp Act, 1899, § 35.
53
Interplay between Arbitration Agreements under the Arbitration & Conciliation Act, 1996 & the Indian Stamp
Act, 1899, In re, 2023 SCC OnLine SC 1666.
54
Para VIII, Moot Proposition.
55
Para IX, Moot Proposition.
56
Exhibit A, Clause 1, 1.2, Moot Proposition.
57
Exhibit A, Clause 5, 5.4, Moot Proposition.
58
Para IX, Moot Proposition.
18. Article 35(1) of the United Nations Convention on Contracts for the International Sale
of Goods, requires that “The seller must deliver goods which are of the quantity,
quality and description required by the contract and which are contained or packaged
in the manner required by the contract.”59
19. It is humbly submitted before the Court that the deviation of the quality of oil barrels
in the fourth and fifth transactions, as well as the late delivery of the barrels of oil to
PPIPL in the fifth transaction, constitutes a breach of the contract by AMSPL.
20. The contract further states that, in case of a breach of any provisions of the contract
by any party, the non-breaching party may issue a written notice to the defaulting
60
party, specifying the breach and demanding its remedy. The same was done by
PPIPL, as it served a notice to AMSPL on 05.08.2022, seeking their response and
61
clarifications concerning the fourth and fifth transactions. The defaulting party was
accorded ten working days from the receipt of such notice to remedy the breach, as
per the contract. Failure to do so, allows the non-breaching party to terminate the
62 63
contract. AMSPL failed to respond to PPIPL’s notice and hence, PPIPL in
conformity to the provisions of the contract terminated the contract after the lapse of
the deadline of ten days, on 17.08.2022.
21. It is humbly submitted that PPIPL followed the proper procedure as stated under the
contract between PPIPL and AMSPL, and hence contestation of PPIPL’s termination
of contract64, by ASMPL is inadequate.
22. Despite the breach of contract by AMSPL, all claims of PPIPL were rejected in the
Arbitral Award.
23. It is humbly submitted before the court that, the complete rejection of all claims of
PPIPL, and the ruling in favour of AMSPL, the grant of payment of the fourth and
fifth transactions to AMSPL, along with interest, the costs of arbitration, and
additional compensations, accompanied with the potential biasness of the arbitrator,
Dr. Robert Zane in favour of AMSPL, raises serious questions about the procedural
fairness and the adequate granting of arbitral award by the arbitral tribunal.
59
United Nations Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods art. 79(4), Apr. 11, 1980, 1489
U.N.T.S. 3.
60
Exhibit A, Clause 7,7.2, Moot Proposition.
61
Para X, Moot Proposition.
62
Exhibit A, Clause 7,7.2, Moot Proposition.
63
Para X, Moot Proposition.
64
Para XII, Moot Proposition.
24. As per Section 79(4) of the United Nations Convention on Contracts for the
International Sale of Goods65, AMSPL had a duty towards PPIPL to provide notice of
any impediment preventing its performance under the contract. By failing to fulfill
this duty, AMSPL should be held liable for damages resulting from its non-receipt of
notice.
25. It is most respectfully pleaded before the honorable court that, in light of the biasness
of the arbitrator, the inadequate stamping of the arbitral award and the rejection of all
claims by PPIPL, despite the breach of contract by AMSPL, the arbitral award dated
30.11.2023, be set aside.
65
United Nations Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods art. 79(4), Apr. 11, 1980, 1489
U.N.T.S. 3.
PRAYER
Wherefore, in light of the issues raised, arguments advanced and authorities cited, it is
humbly and respectfully submitted that this Hon’ble Court may be pleased to:
III. EXECUTE legal proceedings against the arbitrator appointed by AMSPL, viz.
IV. SET ASIDE the arbitral award dated 30.11.2023 as given by the Hon’ble Arbitral
Tribunal.
And, pass any such order or decree that the court may deem fit in the light of justice, equity
and good conscience.
For this act of kindness, the Petitioner shall duty bound forever pray.
SD/-