Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The question asks about the subject matter of Part III of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996. This Act is the primary legislation governing arbitration and other forms of ADR in India.
Step 2: Key Legal Provision:
The Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996, is divided into four main parts.
Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
Let's look at the structure of the Act:
- Part I: Deals with domestic arbitration.
- Part II: Deals with the enforcement of certain foreign awards (under the New York and Geneva Conventions).
- Part III: Deals with Conciliation. This part lays down the procedure for commencing conciliation proceedings, the appointment of conciliators, their role, and the status of the settlement agreement reached through conciliation.
- Part IV: Contains supplementary provisions.
Therefore, Part III of the Act formalizes the process of Conciliation.
- Option (B) is incorrect; domestic arbitration is in Part I.
- Option (C) is incorrect; enforcement of foreign awards is in Part II.
Step 4: Final Answer:
Part III of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996, formalizes the process of Conciliation.
| I. Arbitration of excepted matters | 1. A. Ayyasamy v. A. Paramasivam, (2016) 10 SCC 386 |
| II. Conditional Arbitration Clauses | 2. In re - Interplay between Arb Agreements and Stamp Act 2023 INSC 1066 |
| III. Separability of Arbitration Agreement - Kompetenz Kompetenz | 3. Vulcan Insurance Co Ltd v. Maharaj Singh and Anr (1976) 1 SCC 943 |
| IV. Arbitrability of fraud | 4. Mitra Guha Builders (India) Co v. ONGC (2020) 3 SCC 222 |