Arbitration Act, 1954

Power of Court to extend time for commencing arbitration proceedings, where agreement provides that claims are to be barred unless proceedings are commenced within a specified time.

45.—Where—

(a) the terms of an agreement to refer future disputes to arbitration provide that any claims to which the agreement applies shall be barred unless notice to appoint an arbitrator is given or an arbitrator is appointed or some other step to commence arbitration proceedings is taken within a time fixed by the agreement, and

(b) a dispute arises to which the agreement applies,

the Court, if it is of opinion that in the circumstances of the case undue hardship would otherwise be caused, and notwithstanding that the time so fixed has expired, may on such terms, if any, as the justice of the case may require, but without prejudice to section 42 of this Act, extend the time for such period as it thinks proper.