COIMBATORE: Champion Textiles Ltd. recently secured a significant arbitration award of Rs. 7.75 crore in a property dispute against JMJ Housing Ltd. and its director. The award comes from an arbitration tribunal’s ruling dated October 12, 2026, in a case revolving around a residential development agreement in Coimbatore’s Pattanam village.
Justice T. Ravindran, a former judge of the Madras High Court, served as the sole arbitrator in Arb. O.P. (Com. Div.) No. 394 of 2024, hearing arguments from both parties regarding the contractual obligations surrounding the residential development project.
The disagreement arose from a Joint Development Agreement (JDA) established on January 19, 2022, which aimed to facilitate residential construction. Champion Textiles, represented by its Managing Director V.R.S. Natarajan, partnered with JMJ Housing Ltd., led by director Wilson P. Thomas, under terms that required joint efforts in property development.
Disputes flared as Champion Textiles alleged that JMJ Housing violated the agreement, improperly transferring plots of land to third parties and failing to secure necessary agreements with prospective buyers.
The respondents refuted these claims, asserting they had completed significant preparatory work and expenditures related to the project, insisting their actions were valid.
After reviewing evidence and witness testimonies presented, the arbitration tribunal ruled in favor of Champion Textiles. The tribunal found serious breaches of contract on the part of JMJ Housing, particularly about the unauthorized transfers of property.
In its verdict, the tribunal declared that the disputed sales did not comply with the agreed terms, subsequently ordering the cancellation of ten identified sale deeds linked to the disputed property.
Furthermore, the tribunal mandated that JMJ Housing and its director pay Champion Textiles a total of Rs. 7.75 crore, comprising Rs. 6.75 crore plus interest at 18 percent per annum from March 13, 2025, until full payment, alongside an additional Rs. 1 crore with similar interest terms.
As part of the award, the tribunal also directed the respondents to deliver vacant possession of the property outlined in Schedule A within one month from the ruling date. These provisions represent vital components of the relief granted to Champion Textiles due to the breaches identified.
The arbitration proceedings encapsulated competing claims regarding development responsibilities and the legitimacy of transactions that involved external parties. Champion Textiles sought not only cancellation of the contested transactions but also monetary compensation and recovery of possession. The respondents challenged these claims, requesting dismissal of the arbitration proceedings.
This landmark award is categorized as a pivotal outcome in the ongoing legal background of this real estate dispute. The award’s date, October 12, 2026, stands as a significant marker for the parties as they proceed with adhering to the tribunal’s findings and mandates.
The impact of this ruling will likely resonate across various development projects in the region, reinforcing the importance of adhering to contractual commitments in property development agreements.
