Dipika Pallikal wins brand endorsement fee row

Dipika had moved the Madras High Court in 2015 under Section 11 of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act for the appointment of an Arbitrator over a payment dispute, arising out of a Brand Endorsement Agreement with Borg Energy India Pvt. Ltd. 

The Chief Justice appointed Retd District Judge V Subramanian as the Sole Arbitrator. Arbitration was conducted at the Madras High Court Arbitration Centre. The dispute pertained to the non-payment of the third year’s brand endorsement fee of Rs 10 lakh for the year 2015-16. 

Dipika had filed 5 claims, the endorsement fee for sporting the company logo in her apparel, non-remittance of income tax deducted at source, service tax, compensation for mental agony and legal costs. 

The Sole Arbitrator accepted all the claims and awarded a sum of Rs 19.48 lakh plus interest of 12% till the date of payment. The company has been given 3 months to make the payment.