Mrs Anju Sharma & Anr. vs. M/s Imperia Structures Limited
Background
The petitioners had filed for appointment of an arbitrator in a dispute with a real estate developer, but at the hearing decided that a different forum was more appropriate for their claim (the judgment does not elaborate further, as the respondent did not appear).
Decision Breakdown
Counsel for the petitioners sought leave to withdraw the petition, with liberty to file the same claim before the appropriate court instead. The Court granted the leave and liberty sought and dismissed the petition as withdrawn, disposing of any pending applications as well.
Lesson Learnt
Homebuyers and similar petitioners are not locked into arbitration if, on reflection, a different forum (such as a consumer or real estate regulatory forum) is the more suitable venue for their dispute: courts will readily permit withdrawal with liberty to refile elsewhere.