Sole Arbitrator
Meaning, appointment under Section 11, powers, and when a sole arbitrator is the right choice — complete guide for parties and lawyers.
Appoint a Sole Arbitrator at Sandhee →Sole Arbitrator Meaning
A sole arbitrator is a single, neutral arbitrator who presides over and decides an arbitration dispute alone — as opposed to a three-member arbitral tribunal. The sole arbitrator has full authority to conduct proceedings, examine evidence, and issue a final binding arbitral award.
Under the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996, the default number of arbitrators is one (sole arbitrator) unless the parties agree otherwise (Section 10). A sole arbitrator is generally preferred for speed, cost-effectiveness, and smaller disputes.
Sole Arbitrator vs Three-Member Panel
Sole Arbitrator
✓Single neutral expert decides the dispute
✓Faster — one calendar to manage
✓Less expensive — one arbitrator's fees
✓Default under Arbitration Act (Section 10)
✓Ideal for disputes up to ₹5–10 crore
✓Simpler logistics for hearings
Three-Member Tribunal
✓Each party appoints one arbitrator; they appoint the third (presiding)
✓More deliberative — three perspectives
✓Higher cost — three arbitrators' fees
✓Preferred for complex/high-value disputes
✓Reduces risk of bias
✓Common in international arbitration
Appointment of Sole Arbitrator — Section 11
By Mutual Agreement
Parties agree on a sole arbitrator either in the arbitration clause itself or after the dispute arises. This is the preferred method.
Through Arbitral Institution (Sandhee)
Parties request Sandhee to appoint a sole arbitrator from its panel. Sandhee appoints a qualified, independent expert within 7 working days.
By Court — Section 11(6)
If parties fail to agree on a sole arbitrator within 30 days of a request, either party may apply to the High Court (domestic) or Supreme Court (international) under Section 11(6) for appointment.
Appoint a Sole Arbitrator in 7 Days
Sandhee's panel of qualified sole arbitrators — retired judges, senior advocates, domain experts — available for online arbitration.
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