Existence of Arbitration Agreement: Whether the purported arbitration agreement dated 01.04.1957 was valid and enforceable. Unilateral Appointment of Arbitrators: Whether the arbitrators were appointed in violation of the principles of party autonomy and statutory requirements.Fraudulent Claims: Whether the arbitration proceedings and awards were tainted with fraud, lacking jurisdiction. (Paras: 16-25)

Acts and Sections Discussed:

1. Constitution of India (COI)
• Article 226: Jurisdiction of High Courts
2. Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996 (A&C Act)
• Section 7: Arbitration Agreement
• Section 11: Appointment of Arbitrators
• Section 34: Application for Setting Aside Arbitral Award
• Section 43: Limitation Period
• Section 18: Equal Treatment of Parties
3. Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 (CPC)
• Section 47: Questions to Be Determined by the Court Executing a Decree

Subjects:
Arbitration Agreement, Limitation Period, Unilateral Appointment, Ex Parte Awards, Fraudulent Arbitration

Decision and Ratio Decidendi:

1. Nullity of Awards:
   The Supreme Court declared the ex parte arbitration awards dated 15.02.2008 and 25.06.2008 as null and void, holding that the arbitration agreement relied upon was not established.
2. Fraudulent Proceedings:
   The Court emphasized that arbitration proceedings orchestrated by the respondent were fraudulent and lacked jurisdiction, violating fundamental principles of justice.
3. Principle of Party Autonomy:
   The unilateral appointment of arbitrators was deemed invalid. Arbitration requires consent and adherence to statutory frameworks under the A&C Act.
4. Execution Proceedings Dismissed:
   The Court dismissed the execution petitions initiated based on the invalid awards