On February 19, 2026, the Delhi High Court, led by Justice Harish Vaidyanathan Shankar, decided that IIM Jammu cannot be a part of the ongoing dispute resolution process between M/S Ramacivil India Construction Pvt Ltd and the Central Public Works Department (CPWD).
M/S Ramacivil India Construction Pvt Ltd had a contract with CPWD for building the IIM Jammu campus. Problems came up from this contract, leading to a formal dispute resolution. The main question was whether IIM Jammu should be included in these proceedings.
IIM Jammu argued that since they are the main beneficiary of the project and fund the construction, they should be involved. They pointed out their significant role in project decisions and oversight.
"IIM Jammu remains the ultimate beneficiary of the works executed and plays a substantive role in the decision-making process."
The court disagreed with IIM Jammu. It emphasized that the contract was only between Ramacivil and CPWD, and IIM Jammu was not a party to it. The court highlighted that the dispute resolution is based on the agreement between specific parties.
"The legal relationship is thus defined by the instrument executed and not by the identity of the ultimate institutional beneficiary."
The court ruled that IIM Jammu cannot be part of the dispute resolution since they are not directly involved in the contract. This decision maintains the focus on the original agreement between Ramacivil and CPWD.
"Arbitration, being consensual in nature, cannot be expanded to include entities solely because they derive indirect advantage."
The next steps in the case will proceed without IIM Jammu as a party, with further hearings scheduled for March 18, 2026.
