Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996, is structured into different parts and chapters, each dealing with a specific aspect of arbitration. Knowing the structure of the Act helps in identifying the subject matter of a range of sections.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Chapter V of Part I of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996, is titled "Conduct of Arbitral Proceedings". This chapter comprises Sections 18 to 27.
These sections cover crucial procedural aspects such as:
- Section 18: Equal treatment of parties.
- Section 19: Determination of rules of procedure.
- Section 20: Place of arbitration.
- 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 arbitral tribunal.
- Section 27: Court assistance in taking evidence.
The other options relate to different parts of the Act (e.g., Judicial Intervention is Section 5, Awarding final decision is in Chapter VI).
Step 3: Final Answer:
The group of Sections 18-27 of the Act deals with the conduct of arbitral proceedings.