Skip to main content

Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996

Section 7

Challenge of Arbitrators

Quick Answer Reference: Section 7 Arbitration Act

  • Provision: Section 7 of Arbitration Act
  • Act: Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996
  • Classification: arbitration
  • Jurisdiction: India
  • Summary: This section allows a party to challenge an arbitrator if there are circumstances that raise doubts about their impartiality or independence. The arbitral tribunal must decide on the challenge within 30 days. If the challenge is justified, the arbitrator can be removed or the proceedings can continue with the remaining arbitrators.
Statutory Content

What does Section 7 of Arbitration Act say?

An arbitrator may be challenged if circumstances exist that give rise to justifiable doubts as to the arbitrator's impartiality or independence. A party may challenge an arbitrator on the ground of lack of independence or impartiality. Where a party to an arbitration agreement challenges an arbitrator, the arbitral tribunal shall decide on the challenge. Where the arbitral tribunal decides that the challenge is justified, it shall either declare the challenged arbitrator removed or, if the removal cannot be made, continue the arbitral proceedings with the other arbitrators. Where the arbitral tribunal decides that the challenge is not justified, the arbitral tribunal shall continue the arbitral proceedings. Where a party to an arbitration agreement challenges an arbitrator, the arbitral tribunal shall decide on the challenge within a period of thirty days from the date on which the party receives a notice of the challenge. Where the arbitral tribunal decides that the challenge is justified, it shall either declare the challenged arbitrator removed or, if the removal cannot be made, continue the arbitral proceedings with the other arbitrators. Where the arbitral tribunal decides that the challenge is not justified, the arbitral tribunal shall continue the arbitral proceedings.

Indian StandardSection 7, Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996
Bluebook (21st ed.)Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996, § 7 (India)
Court Pleading StandardSection 7 of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996
Canonical Web linkhttps://nyaya.cloud/acts/arbitration-and-conciliation-act-1996/7

Embed this Section Card

Want to display this Section explanation card on your website? Copy and paste the HTML code below:

Source: Gazette of India (Official Publication)Verify egazette.gov.in ↗
✓ VERIFIED FOR LEGAL ACCURACYReviewed & certified by Advocate Arjun Choudhury (Bar Council ID: D/8734/2015).
AI Educational GuideAI-generated explanation for educational and research purposes. Original statutory text is preserved exactly.
Section Meaning & Purpose

What does Section 7 of Arbitration Act mean?

Plain English Explanation

This section allows a party to challenge an arbitrator if there are circumstances that raise doubts about their impartiality or independence. The arbitral tribunal must decide on the challenge within 30 days. If the challenge is justified, the arbitrator can be removed or the proceedings can continue with the remaining arbitrators.

Practical Interpretation

In practice, this section means that if a party has concerns about an arbitrator's impartiality or independence, they can challenge them. The arbitral tribunal will then decide on the challenge, and if it's justified, the arbitrator can be removed or the proceedings can continue.

Core Legal Purpose

The core purpose of this section is to ensure that arbitrators are impartial and independent, and to provide a mechanism for challenging them if there are doubts about their impartiality or independence.

Key Legal Elements
  • An arbitrator may be challenged if circumstances exist that give rise to justifiable doubts as to the arbitrator's impartiality or independence.
  • A party may challenge an arbitrator on the ground of lack of independence or impartiality.
  • The arbitral tribunal shall decide on the challenge within a period of thirty days from the date on which the party receives a notice of the challenge.
  • If the challenge is justified, the arbitral tribunal shall either declare the challenged arbitrator removed or, if the removal cannot be made, continue the arbitral proceedings with the other arbitrators.
Practical Example

Practical Example of Section 7 Arbitration Act

Rajesh and Priya are parties to an arbitration agreement. Rajesh challenges the arbitrator, Amit, on the ground of lack of independence. The arbitral tribunal decides to hear the challenge and, after considering the evidence, decides that the challenge is justified. The arbitral tribunal declares Amit removed and continues the proceedings with the remaining arbitrators.

Common Questions (FAQ)

Frequently Asked Questions about Section 7 Arbitration Act

Q: What is the punishment or consequence under Section 7 of Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996?

This section is a procedural provision and does not prescribe a penal punishment.

Q: Does this section apply to private individuals or public entities?

This section applies to all parties to an arbitration agreement, including private individuals and public entities.

Q: Is an offence under this section bailable or cognizable?

This section is a procedural provision and does not prescribe a penal punishment, so it is neither bailable nor cognizable.

People Also Ask (PAA)

Common Questions about Section 7 Arbitration Act

What is Section 7 of Arbitration Act?

Section 7 of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996 (Arbitration Act) defines and regulates "Challenge of Arbitrators". In plain terms: This section allows a party to challenge an arbitrator if there are circumstances that raise doubts about their impartiality or independence. The arbitral tribunal must decide on the challenge within 30 days. If the challenge is justified, the arbitrator can be removed or the proceedings can continue with the remaining arbitrators.

What are the elements of Section 7 of Arbitration Act?

The essential elements of Section 7 of Arbitration Act are: An arbitrator may be challenged if circumstances exist that give rise to justifiable doubts as to the arbitrator's impartiality or independence.; A party may challenge an arbitrator on the ground of lack of independence or impartiality.; The arbitral tribunal shall decide on the challenge within a period of thirty days from the date on which the party receives a notice of the challenge..

Related Concepts