What is an Arbitral Tribunal?
Meaning, composition, powers, and how an arbitral tribunal differs from a court — complete guide under the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996.
Constitute a Tribunal at Sandhee →Arbitral Tribunal Meaning
An arbitral tribunal is the body — consisting of one or more arbitrators — that is responsible for conducting arbitration proceedings and resolving the dispute. It functions as a private judicial body, with the authority to hear evidence, conduct proceedings, and issue a final binding arbitral award.
Under Section 2(d) of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996, "arbitral tribunal" means a sole arbitrator or a panel of arbitrators. The tribunal has broad procedural powers and, importantly, can rule on its own jurisdiction.
Composition of an Arbitral Tribunal
Sole Arbitrator (Single Member)
✓Default under Section 10 of the Arbitration Act
✓Appointed by mutual agreement or by court/institution under Section 11
✓Faster and more cost-effective
✓Best for disputes up to ₹5–10 crore
✓One professional's fees only
Learn About Sole Arbitrator →Three-Member Panel
✓Each party appoints one arbitrator
✓The two party-appointed arbitrators jointly appoint the presiding arbitrator
✓Preferred for high-value or complex disputes
✓More deliberative — reduces risk of bias
✓Common in international arbitration
Powers of an Arbitral Tribunal
Conduct Hearings
Schedule and conduct hearings (in-person or online), examine witnesses, and record evidence.
Grant Interim Relief (Section 17)
Issue interim orders — injunctions, asset preservation, appointment of receiver — enforceable as court orders (post-2015 amendment).
Determine Rules of Procedure
Unless agreed by parties, the tribunal determines how proceedings are conducted — venue, language, evidence rules.
Rule on Own Jurisdiction
The Kompetenz-Kompetenz principle — the tribunal can rule on challenges to its own jurisdiction (Section 16).
Appoint Experts
The tribunal may appoint one or more experts to report on specific technical issues (Section 26).
Issue Arbitral Award
Issue a final binding arbitral award — enforceable as a court decree under Section 36 of the Arbitration Act.
Constitute Your Arbitral Tribunal at Sandhee
Sandhee appoints qualified sole arbitrators or three-member panels for online arbitration proceedings.
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