As per case facts, the Municipal Council issued a tender for octroi collection, which the petitioner won. The petitioner later sought a reduction in the minimum reserve price, which the ... Council rejected. Following a withdrawn Writ Petition, the petitioner unilaterally requested the State Government to appoint an arbitrator. Despite no arbitration clause in the contract, the State Government appointed an arbitrator who subsequently reduced the reserve price. The Civil Court upheld this award, but the High Court reversed it, citing the absence of a valid arbitration agreement and the State Government's lack of jurisdiction. The petitioner appealed to the Supreme Court. The question arose whether a valid arbitration agreement existed between the parties and if the State Government had the authority to impose arbitration, especially when the Municipal Council contended that its participation did not confer jurisdiction. Finally, the Supreme Court affirmed the High Court's decision, concluding that there was no written arbitration agreement, the State Government lacked jurisdiction under the relevant statute to appoint an arbitrator, and the arbitral proceedings were consequently a nullity due to the absence of mutuality between the parties. The court emphasized that forced participation does not confer jurisdiction.