KG basin dispute: SC reserves order on arbitrator appointment

The Supreme Court today reserved its order on the issue of appointing national or international arbitrator for adjudication of dispute between Reliance Industries Ltd and the government over recovery of cost for developing the country's key natural gas field in KG basin.
Justice S S Nijjar asked Mukesh Ambani-led RIL and the Centre to propose names of persons -- both Indian and foreign nationals -- who could be considered by him for the appointment. He asked the parties to gave the names by January 13.
The judge will decide on the issue whether a Indian or a foreign national is to be appointed as presiding arbitrator and then will consider the names proposed by the rival parties.

RIL had moved the apex court for appointment of an arbitrator from a foreign country with which parties in disputes are not connected after the Centre had declined the proposal.
RIL has nominated former CJI S P Bharucha as its arbitrator while the Centre chose ex-CJI V N Khare as its nominee.
RIL had commenced arbitration against the government on November 23, 2011.