(1) In addition to the circumstances referred to in section 13 or section 14, the mandate of an arbitrator shall terminate—
(a) where he withdraws from office for any reason; or
(b) by or pursuant to agreement of the parties.
(2) Where the mandate of an arbitrator terminates, a substitute arbitrator shall be appointed according to the rules that were applicable to the ap[>ointment of the arbitrator being replaced.
(5) Unless otherwise agreed by the parties, where an arbitrator is replaced under subsection (2), any hearings previously held may be repented at the discretion of the arbitral tribunal.
(4) Unless otherwise agreed by the parties, an order or ruling of the arbitral tribunal made prior to the replacement of an arbitrator under this section shall not be invalid solely because there has been a change in the composition of the arbitral tribunal.
Competence of arbitral tribunal to rule on its jurisdiction.
CHAPTER IV Jurisdiction of arbitral tribunals
16. (I) The arbitral tribunal may rule on its own jurisdiction, including ruling on any objections with respect to the existence or validity of the arbitration agreement, and for that purpose,—
(a) an arbitration clause which forms part of a contract shall be treated as an agreement independent of the other terms of the contract; and
(b) a decision by the arbitral tribunal that the. contract is null and void shall not entail ipso jure the invalidity of the arbitration clause.
Sec. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 9
(2) A plea that the arbitral tribunal does not have jurisdiction shall be raised not later than the submission of the statement of defence; however, a party shall not be precluded from raising such a plea merely because that he has appointed, or participated in the appointment of, an arbitrator.
(3) A plea that the arbitral tribunal is exceeding the scope of its authority shall be raised as soon as the mailer alleged to be beyond the scope of its authority is raised during the arbitral proceedings.
(4) The arbitral tribunal may, in either of the cases referred to in sub-section (2) or sub-section (3), admit a later plea if it considers the delay justified.
(5) The arbitral tribunal shall decide on,a plea referred to in sub-section (2) or subsection (3) and, where the arbitral tribunal takes a decision rejecting the plea, continue with the arbitral proceedings and make an arbitral award.
(6) A party aggrieved by such an arbitral award may make an application for setting aside such an arbitral award in accordance with section 34.
17. (I) Unless otherwise agreed by the parties, the arbitral tribunal may, at the request of a party, order a parry to take any interim measure of protection as the arbitral tribunal may consider necessary in respect of the subject-matter of the dispute.
(2) The arbitral tribunal may require a party to provide appropriate security in connection with a measure order-id under sub-section (1).
Interim measures ordered by arbitral tribunal.
5 of 1908.
1 of 1872.
CHAPTER V Conduct of arbitral proceedings
18. The parties shall be treated with equality and each party shall be given a full opportunity to present his case.