Can an arbitral institution require parties’ membership as a pre-requisite for forming an arbitral tribunal under its rules when parties have agreed to arbitrate under those rules?
Overview: The Hon’ble Delhi High Court, in the case of Rani Construction v. Union of India (ARB.P. 1011/2023), ruled that arbitral institution membership cannot be mandated as a prerequisite for arbitration. Hon’ble Justice Sachin Datta’s bench clarified that when parties opt for arbitration under an institution, it doesn’t imply automatic membership acceptance. Facts:The dispute arose …