12. Grounds for challenge.—
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(1) When a person is approached in connection with his possible
appointment as an arbitrator, he shall disclose in writing any circumstances,—
(a) such as the existence either direct or indirect, of any past or present relationship with or
interest in any of the parties or in relation to the subject-matter in dispute, whether financial, business,
professional or other kind, which is likely to give rise to justifiable doubts as to his independence or
impartiality; and
(b) which are likely to affect his ability to devote sufficient time to the arbitration and in
particular his ability to complete the entire arbitration within a period of twelve months.
Explanation1.—The grounds stated in the Fifth Schedule shall guide in determining whether
circumstances exist which give rise to justifiable doubts as to the independence or impartiality of an
arbitrator.
Explanation 2.—The disclosure shall be made by such person in the form specified in the Sixth
Schedule.]
(2) An arbitrator, from the time of his appointment and throughout the arbitral proceedings, shall,
without delay, disclose to the parties in writing any circumstances referred to in sub-section
(1) unless
they have already been informed of them by him.
1. Subs. by Act 3 of 2016, s. 6, for sub-section
(12) (w.e.f. 23-10-2015).
2. Ins. by s. 6, ibid.(w.e.f. 23-10-2015).
3. Ins. by s. 7, ibid. (w.e.f. 23-10-2015).
4. Subs. by s. 8, ibid., for sub-section
(1) (w.e.f. 23-10-2015).
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(3) An arbitrator may be challenged only if—
(a) circumstances exist that give rise to justifiable doubts as to his independence or impartiality,
or
(b) he does not possess the qualifications agreed to by the parties.
(4) A party may challenge an arbitrator appointed by him, or in whose appointment he has
participated, only for reasons of which he becomes aware after the appointment has been made.
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(5) Notwithstanding any prior agreement to the contrary, any person whose relationship, with the
parties or counsel or the subject-matter of the dispute, falls under any of the categories specified in the
Seventh Schedule shall be ineligible to be appointed as an arbitrator:
Provided that parties may, subsequent to disputes having arisen between them, waive the applicability
of this sub-section by an express agreement in writing.]
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