An arbitration agreement providing for arbitration by four arbitrators is, under the Arbitration & Conciliation Act, 1996, to be construed as an agreement for arbitration by:
Verified Answer
A. Sole arbitrator
B. Five arbitrators
C. Three arbitrators
D. Four arbitrators
Explanation:
Section 10(1) of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996, mandates that the number of arbitrators shall not be an even number. If an arbitration agreement provides for an even number of arbitrators (e.g., four), it is generally construed to mean that the arbitral tribunal shall consist of three arbitrators to ensure an odd number for decision-making, typically with each party appointing one and the two appointed arbitrators appointing a third presiding arbitrator.