Quick Summary: On February 4, 2026, the Delhi High Court decided to replace the person in charge of resolving a dispute between Gaurav Kukreja and M/S Earthz Urban Spaces Private Limited because the original person stepped down.
The case began when Gaurav Kukreja filed a request under the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996. At first, Ms. Priya Kumar was chosen to handle the dispute on December 18, 2024. However, she later decided to step down, which meant a new person needed to be chosen.
"The said Arbitrator has recused herself from the matter."
On February 4, 2026, Judge Harish Vaidyanathan Shankar decided to appoint a new person to handle the dispute. With agreement from both sides, Hon’ble Mr. Justice Najmi Waziri (Retd.) was selected to take over.
"Court deems it appropriate to substitute the arbitrator and appoint Hon’ble Mr. Justice Najmi Waziri (Retd.)."
The dispute will be handled under the rules of the Delhi International Arbitration Centre (DIAC). The fees for the new arbitrator will follow the guidelines of the Act, and both parties will split the costs equally.
"The parties shall share the learned sole Arbitrator’s fee and arbitral costs equally."
Justice Waziri will begin handling the dispute after sharing necessary information within a week. Both parties can still present their arguments to the new arbitrator.
"All rights and contentions of the parties are kept open, to be decided by the learned sole Arbitrator on their merits."
Initially, the request filed by Gaurav Kukreja was settled on December 18, 2024. A later request for changes by the other side was withdrawn on March 21, 2025. After the original arbitrator stepped down, the issue was looked at again on May 29, 2025, leading to the current decision.
This case shows how important it is to choose the right person to handle a dispute and the steps needed when a change is required. The court's decision ensures that the process continues smoothly and fairly for both sides.
