M/S. BUILDERS ENTERPRISES vs UNION OF INDIA . — C.A. No. 4972/2007

Summary of C.A. No. 004972/2007 - M/S. Builders Enterprises v. Union of India The Supreme Court dismissed Builders Enterprises' appeal challenging the High Court's order, upholding arbitration as the appropriate forum. The contractor claimed Rs. 8.25 lakhs in damages for incomplete construction of a water tank due to alleged government negligence (defective designs, delayed site handover). The Court rejected the appellant's argument that Section 34 of the Arbitration Act was inapplicable because a written statement had been filed, interpreting "before filing" purposively to include composite pleas. The Chief Engineer was directed to appoint an arbitrator within two weeks to resolve disputes under Clause 70 of the agreement, with proceedings preferably held in Ranchi and an award expected within four months. This case analysis is maintained by casestatus.in based on publicly available court records.