The applicant, a steel plant equipment design company, entered into a contract with the respondent on 28.04.2017 to install a Single Stand Reversing 4-HI Wide Plate Hot Rolling Mill in Hyderabad. The project was delayed by 26 months, which the applicant attributed to the respondent’s lapses, including delays in civil and structural work, readiness of utilities and cranes, equipment delivery, and disruptions caused by the dengue outbreak and COVID-19 pandemic. Despite agreed timeline extensions, the respondent imposed a 10% liquidated damages penalty, which the applicant disputed. Another conflict arose from the respondent’s alleged misuse of the applicant’s proprietary drawings. The court recognized arbitrable issues concerning project delays, imposition of damages, and unauthorized use of confidential materials. Rejecting the respondent’s argument that arbitration should have been initiated through ICADR—now defunct and absorbed into the India International Arbitration Centre—the court invoked a practical interpretation based on Enercon (India) Ltd. v. Enercon Gmbh (2014), supporting arbitration where intent is evident but procedure unworkable. Citing ACC Ltd. v. Global Cements Ltd. (2012), the court held that courts may appoint substitute arbitrators when named institutions no longer function. Accordingly, the court appointed Justice L. Nageswara Rao, Former Supreme Court Judge, as sole arbitrator.