The Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996
13. Challenge
procedure.
1.
Subject
to sub-section (4), the parties are free to agree on a procedure for
challenging an arbitrator.
2.
Failing
any agreement referred to in sub-section (1), a party who intends to challenge
an arbitrator shall, within fifteen days after becoming aware of the
constitution of the arbitral tribunal or after becoming aware of any
circumstances referred to in subsection (3) of section 12, send a written
statement of the reasons for the challenge to the arbitral tribunal.
3.
Unless
the arbitrator challenged under sub-section (2) withdraws from his office or
the other party agrees to the challenge, the arbitral tribunal shall decide on
the challenge.
4.
If
a challenge tinder any procedure agreed upon by the parties or tinder the
procedure under sub-section (2) is not successful, the arbitral tribunal shall
continue the arbitral proceedings and make an arbitral award.
5.
Where
an arbitral award is made under sub-section (4), the party challenging the
arbitrator may make an application for setting aside such an arbitral award in
accordance with section 34.
6.
Where
an arbitral award is set aside on an application made under sub-section (5),
the Court may decide as to whether the arbitrator who is challenged is untitled
to any fees.