1. Heard Mr. Prasad Rao Vemulapalli, learned counsel for the applicant and Ms. L.Pranathi Reddy, learned Senior Standing Counsel for Central Government appearing for the respondents.

2. By order dated 21.11.2025, this Court proposed to appoint Mr. Justice L.Narasimha Reddy, former Chief Justice of Patna High Court, as an independent Arbitrator to adjudicate the dispute between the parties. The order dated 21.11.2025 is extracted hereunder for easy reference:

“Heard Mr. Prasad Rao Vemulapalli, learned counsel for the applicant and Ms. L.Pranathi Reddy, learned Senior Standing Counsel for Central Government appearing for the respondents.

Learned counsel for the applicant submits that the demand for arbitration under Clause 64 of the Standard General Conditions of South Central Railway (GCC) under Contract Agreement of Works dated 18.04.2022 for adjudication of the dispute claims raised by the applicant has been responded only by asking them to waive the right to appoint an Arbitrator vide letter dated 01.04.2025 issued by the respondents/Railways. The applicant has, therefore, approached this Court under Section 11(5) and (6) of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996 and Rules framed thereunder for appointment of an independent arbitrator.

Upon notice, the respondents-Railways have appeared and filed their counter-affidavit.

Learned Senior Standing Counsel for Central Government submits that the respondents are agreeable to appointment of an Arbitrator as per Clause 64 of the Standard General Conditions of South Central Railway, by this Court to adjudicate the dispute between the parties.

In view of the consensus between the parties on the issue of appointment of an independent Arbitrator by this Court in respect of the dispute arising under the Contract Agreement of Works dated 18.04.2022, this Court proposes to appoint Mr. Justice L.Narasimha Reddy, former Chief Justice of Patna High Court (r/o. H.No.2-2-25/3/3, Durgabai Deshmukh Colony, near O.U.Campus, Baghamberpet, Hyderabad – 13; Ph.No.040-27406364; Mobile No.9440621406), as independent Arbitrator to adjudicate the dispute between the parties.

The proposed Arbitrator is requested to submit his consent and a declaration in terms of Section 12(1) read with Schedule VI of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996.

Registry is directed to communicate this order to the proposed Arbitrator.

The matter be listed after two weeks with the response, if any, of the proposed Arbitrator.”

3. The proposed Arbitrator has submitted his consent along with a declaration under Section 12(1) read with Schedule VI of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996 (for short, “the Act”) by letter dated 11.12.2025.

4. Learned counsel for the applicant, therefore, submits that appointment of the proposed Arbitrator may be confirmed.

5. In that view of the matter, I hereby appoint Mr. Justice L.Narasimha Reddy, former Chief Justice of Patna High Court (Resident of H.No.2-2-25/3/3, Durgabai Deshmukh Colony, near O.U.Campus, Baghamberpet, Hyderabad – 13; Ph.No.040-27406364; Mobile No.9440621406), to act as an independent Arbitrator in respect of the dispute between the parties.

6. Registry is directed to serve a xerox copy of the entire pleadings to the learned Arbitrator. The learned Arbitrator is requested to keep in mind the fee prescribed in Schedule IV of the Act and the time limit prescribed under Section 29A of the Act.

7. The Arbitration Application is, accordingly, disposed of.

Miscellaneous applications pending, if any, shall stand closed.