November 2, 2026

Section 14 – Arbitration Act: Failure or Impossibility to Act

Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996 — back to Table of Contents

Section 14. Failure or impossibility to act

(1) The mandate of an arbitrator shall terminate and he shall be substituted by another arbitrator, if—

  • (a) he becomes de jure or de facto unable to perform his functions or for other reasons fails to act without undue delay; and
  • (b) he withdraws from his office or the parties agree to the termination of his mandate.

(2) If a controversy remains concerning any of the grounds referred to in clause (a) of sub-section (1), a party may, unless otherwise agreed by the parties, apply to the Court to decide on the termination of the mandate.

(3) If, under this section or sub-section (3) of section 13, an arbitrator withdraws from his office or a party agrees to the termination of the mandate of an arbitrator, it shall not imply acceptance of the validity of any ground referred to in this section or sub-section (3) of section 12.