Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The question asks to identify the subject matter covered by the group of sections from 18 to 27 in the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
The Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996, is divided into several parts and chapters. Let's look at the structure of Part I, which deals with domestic arbitration.
- Chapter I: General Provisions (Sections 1-6). Option (C) "Extent of judicial intervention" is Section 5, which falls here.
- Chapter II: Arbitration Agreement (Sections 7-9).
- Chapter III: Composition of Arbitral Tribunal (Sections 10-15).
- Chapter IV: Jurisdiction of Arbitral Tribunals (Sections 16-17).
- Chapter V: Conduct of Arbitral Proceedings (Sections 18-27). This chapter deals with the procedural aspects of how arbitration is conducted. It includes provisions on:
- Section 18: Equal treatment of parties.
- Section 19: Determination of rules of procedure.
- Section 20: Place of arbitration.
- Section 21: Commencement of proceedings.
- Section 22: Language.
- Section 23: Statements of claim and defence.
- Section 24: Hearings and written proceedings.
- Section 25: Default of a party.
- Section 26: Expert appointed by the tribunal.
- Section 27: Court assistance in taking evidence.
This entire range of sections clearly pertains to the conduct of the proceedings.
- Option (B) is covered in Section 3.
- Option (D) is dealt with in Chapter VI: Making of Arbitral Award and Termination of Proceedings (Sections 28-33).
Step 3: Final Answer:
Sections 18 to 27 of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996, are contained in Chapter V, which deals with the Conducting of Arbitral Proceedings.
| 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 |