Question

The 2019 Amendment to the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996 introduced the Arbitration Council of India. Who is not a member of the Council?

• A. Chief Justice of India
• B. Eminent Arbitration Practitioner having substantial knowledge and experience in institutional arbitration, both domestic and international
• C. Eminent Academician having experience in research and teaching in the field of arbitration and alternative dispute resolution laws
• D. Secretary, Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance, Government of India

Hint:

The Arbitration Council of India is meant to promote institutional arbitration — its composition is diverse but does not include the CJI.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Composition of the Arbitration Council of India (ACI).
The ACI, established under the 2019 Amendment, consists of a Chairperson (a Supreme Court or High Court Judge or an eminent person with legal experience), eminent arbitration practitioners, academicians, and government secretaries from relevant departments.
Step 2: Verification.
While eminent arbitration practitioners, academicians, and government secretaries are included, the Chief Justice of India is not a designated member of the ACI.
Step 3: Conclusion.
Option (a) is correct because the CJI does not hold membership in the ACI. \[ \boxed{(a)} \]