Uncertainties surround the arbitration process involving the NCUI election in which Ashok Dabas has challenged the fairness of the election. Central Registrar Mr Ashish Bhutani has withdrawn Mr Krishna Sethi as the arbitrator in the matter. But an unfazed Sethi continues to hold the court challenging Central Registrar’s order.
The hearing in the case comes up today that is Tuesday. Of the two respondents-Ashok Dabas and the NCUI, while the former informed Indian Cooperative that he would appear; Dr Dinesh said ” we have already informed the Central Registrar and we are not going to appear till further notice”.
Talking to Indian Cooperative Dr Dinesh said we have written to the Registrar that “in view of the letter withdrawing Mr Krishna Sethi we are not attending the hearing.”
Sethi is not ready to quit and claims under the MSCS Act, Central Registrar has no power to withdraw an arbitrator once he has been appointed. Its on a par with a Tribunal which can be withdrawn only in case of inordinate delay or in the face of some unforeseen developments such as death etc, say those supporting Arbitrator’s stand.
Ashok Dabas who had earlier objected to Sethi’s appointment citing conflict of interest, as Sethi is the Auditor of NCCT too, told Indian Cooperative that he is going to appear on Tuesday. “I do not want to take any chance”, Dabas added.
Readers would recall that the outgoing Central Registrar Raj Singh had entrusted the job of arbitration to Mr Krishna Sethi who is said to be well-versed with cooperative matters. Mr Sethi had his first hearing in the second week of May and the second one was on May 30 when no one from the NCUI turned up.
Dr Dinesh said ” it is between the Central Registrar and the arbitrator and we are not in a position to comment. We will go by the guidelines issued by the Central Registrar” he said. .