IMPORTANT MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS WITH ANSWERS RELATED TO THE ARBITRATION AND CONCILIATION ACT, 1996
Which legislation governs arbitration and conciliation in India?
a) The Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996
b) The Indian Arbitration Act, 1985
c) The Mediation and Arbitration Act, 1992
d) The Alternative Dispute Resolution Act, 2000
Answer: a) The Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996
The Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996, is based on which international model law?
a) UNCITRAL Model Law on International Commercial Arbitration
b) ICC Model Law on International Arbitration
c) London Court of International Arbitration Model Law
d) International Chamber of Commerce Model Law
Answer: a) UNCITRAL Model Law on International Commercial Arbitration
What is the primary objective of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996?
a) To provide a speedy resolution of disputes through arbitration
b) To promote the use of conciliation as a dispute resolution method
c) To establish a comprehensive framework for arbitration and conciliation
d) To minimize the intervention of courts in dispute resolution
Answer: c) To establish a comprehensive framework for arbitration and conciliation
Which of the following disputes are covered under the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996?
a) Only commercial disputes
b) Only domestic disputes
c) Both commercial and domestic disputes
d) Only international disputes
Answer: c) Both commercial and domestic disputes
Who can appoint an arbitrator under the Act?
a) Only the court
b) Only the parties to the dispute
c) Either the court or the parties to the dispute
d) Only the Arbitral Tribunal
Answer: c) Either the court or the parties to the dispute
What is the time limit for making an arbitration award under the Act?
a) 6 months from the date of appointment of the arbitral tribunal
b) 12 months from the date of appointment of the arbitral tribunal
c) 18 months from the date of appointment of the arbitral tribunal
d) There is no specific time limit
Answer: b) 12 months from the date of appointment of the arbitral tribunal
Which of the following can be challenged before a court in relation to an arbitration award?
a) The substantive merits of the dispute
b) The legal interpretation of the arbitration agreement
c) The factual findings of the arbitral tribunal
d) The nationality of the arbitrator
Answer: b) The legal interpretation of the arbitration agreement
Can an arbitral award be set aside by a court on the ground of erroneous application of law?
a) Yes, only if the law was incorrectly applied
b) No, a court cannot set aside an award on this ground
c) Yes, if the law was incorrectly applied and has resulted in substantial injustice
d) Yes, only if the law was incorrectly applied and the award is non-binding
Answer: b) No, a court cannot set aside an award on this ground
Which court has jurisdiction to hear appeals against arbitral awards?
a) The High Court
b) The District Court
c) The Supreme Court
d) Any court of competent jurisdiction
Answer: a) The High Court
Can an arbitration agreement exclude the right to appeal against an arbitral award?
a) No, it is not possible to exclude the right to appeal
b) Yes, the parties can agree to exclude the right to appeal
c) Yes, but only in international commercial arbitrations
d) Yes, but only if the award is made by a foreign arbitral tribunal
Answer: b) Yes, the parties can agree to exclude the right to appeal
Who can act as a conciliator under the Act?
a) Only a judge or a retired judge
b) Only a practicing advocate
c) Any person who is impartial and independent
d) Only a government-appointed officer
Answer: c) Any person who is impartial and independent
What is the role of a conciliator?
a) To render a binding decision on the parties
b) To mediate between the parties and facilitate a settlement
c) To conduct a formal hearing and make an award
d) To provide legal advice and representation to the parties
Answer: b) To mediate between the parties and facilitate a settlement
Can the parties to a dispute choose the procedure for appointment of conciliators?
a) No, the procedure is prescribed by the Act and cannot be modified
b) Yes, the parties have complete freedom to choose the procedure
c) Yes, but only if the dispute is of high value
d) Yes, but only if the dispute is of an international nature
Answer: b) Yes, the parties have complete freedom to choose the procedure
Can a court stay judicial proceedings in favor of arbitration?
a) No, once a case is filed in court, it cannot be stayed in favor of arbitration
b) Yes, but only if the arbitration agreement is registered with the court
c) Yes, if a party requests for arbitration before filing a statement of defense
d) Yes, if the court finds that the arbitration agreement is valid and operative
Answer: d) Yes, if the court finds that the arbitration agreement is valid and operative
When can a party challenge the appointment of an arbitrator?
a) Anytime during the arbitration proceedings
b) Only before the arbitral tribunal is constituted
c) Only after the arbitral award has been made
d) Only during the appointment process
Answer: d) Only during the appointment process
Can an arbitral tribunal order interim measures to preserve the rights of the parties?
a) No, only a court has the power to grant interim measures
b) Yes, but only with the prior permission of the court
c) Yes, the arbitral tribunal has inherent powers to order interim measures
d) Yes, but only if the dispute involves an international party
Answer: c) Yes, the arbitral tribunal has inherent powers to order interim measures
Which of the following is NOT a ground for setting aside an arbitral award?
a) The award is in conflict with public policy
b) The award deals with a dispute not contemplated by the arbitration agreement
c) The award contains errors of fact or law that are apparent on the face of it
d) The award is contrary to the interests of justice
Answer: c) The award contains errors of fact or law that are apparent on the face of it
Can an arbitral award be enforced in the same manner as a court judgment?
a) No, an arbitral award is not enforceable in India
b) Yes, an arbitral award can be enforced like a court judgment
c) Yes, but only if the award is reviewed by the Supreme Court
d) Yes, but only if the award is ratified by the President of India
Answer: b) Yes, an arbitral award can be enforced like a court judgment
What is the limitation period for filing an application to set aside an arbitral award?
a) 30 days from the date of receipt of the award
b) 60 days from the date of receipt of the award
c) 90 days from the date of receipt of the award
d) 120 days from the date of receipt of the award
Answer: c) 90 days from the date of receipt of the award
Can a court refer parties to arbitration even if they have not agreed to it?
a) Yes, a court can refer parties to arbitration at its own discretion
b) No, parties must have a valid arbitration agreement to be referred to arbitration
c) Yes, but only if the dispute involves a public authority
d) Yes, but only if the dispute is of significant public importance
Answer: b) No, parties must have a valid arbitration agreement to be referred to arbitration
What is the consequence of non-compliance with an interim order granted by the arbitral tribunal?
a) The order becomes void and unenforceable
b) The defaulting party may be held in contempt of court
c) The arbitral tribunal loses jurisdiction over the dispute
d) The non-compliant party forfeits its right to present its case
Answer: b) The defaulting party may be held in contempt of court
What is the effect of an arbitration agreement on pending court proceedings?
a) It automatically terminates the court proceedings
b) It suspends the court proceedings until the arbitration is completed
c) It has no effect on the court proceedings
d) It converts the court proceedings into arbitration proceedings
Answer: b) It suspends the court proceedings until the arbitration is completed
Can a party challenge the jurisdiction of an arbitral tribunal?
a) No, the jurisdiction of the arbitral tribunal is final and binding
b) Yes, but only if the tribunal has already made its final award
c) Yes, at any stage of the arbitral proceedings
d) Yes, but only if the party has not appointed its own arbitrator
Answer: c) Yes, at any stage of the arbitral proceedings
How many arbitrators are usually appointed in an arbitration proceeding?
a) One
b) Two
c) Three
d) It depends on the agreement of the parties
Answer: d) It depends on the agreement of the parties
When can an arbitral award be appealed against in court?
a) Whenever a party is dissatisfied with the award
b) Only if the award is in excess of a certain monetary limit
c) Only if the award is contrary to the provisions of the Act
d) Only if the award is made by a foreign arbitral tribunal
Answer: c) Only if the award is contrary to the provisions of the Act
Can an arbitral award be modified by a court during the enforcement stage?
a) Yes, a court can modify an arbitral award to ensure fairness
b) No, a court cannot modify an arbitral award
c) Yes, but only if both parties agree to the modification
d) Yes, if the award is made by a foreign arbitral tribunal
Answer: b) No, a court cannot modify an arbitral award
Who has the burden of proving the existence of an arbitration agreement?
a) The claimant
b) The respondent
c) The arbitral tribunal
d) The court
Answer: b) The respondent
Can an arbitrator be held liable for acts done in the course of arbitration proceedings?
a) No, arbitrators have absolute immunity from liability
b) Yes, but only if the arbitrator acted in bad faith
c) Yes, if the arbitrator’s conduct is found to be negligent or partial
d) Yes, if the arbitral award is set aside by a court
Answer: a) No, arbitrators have absolute immunity from liability
Can a court refuse enforcement of a foreign arbitral award on the ground of public policy?
a) Yes, a court has the discretion to refuse enforcement on this ground
b) No, a court must enforce a foreign arbitral award regardless of public policy
c) Yes, but only if the foreign arbitral award is against India’s public policy
d) Yes, but only if the foreign arbitral award is contrary to the Act
Answer: c) Yes, but only if the foreign arbitral award is against India’s public policy
Can an arbitral tribunal grant punitive damages?
a) Yes, if the parties agree to allow punitive damages in the arbitration agreement
b) Yes, but only in exceptional cases where there is willful misconduct
c) No, an arbitral tribunal cannot grant punitive damages under any circumstances
d) No, punitive damages can only be awarded by a court
Answer: c) No, an arbitral tribunal cannot grant punitive damages under any circumstances
What is the consequence of non-payment of the required arbitration fees?
a) The arbitral tribunal is dissolved, and the proceedings terminate
b) The defaulting party’s claims are deemed to be withdrawn
c) The defaulting party is deemed to have admitted the other party’s claims
d) The defaulting party may be held in contempt of court
Answer: a) The arbitral tribunal is dissolved, and the proceedings terminate
Can an arbitral tribunal grant interest on the amount awarded?
a) Yes, if the arbitration agreement allows for the grant of interest
b) Yes, but only at the discretion of the arbitral tribunal
c) No, an arbitral tribunal does not have the power to grant interest
d) Yes, but only if the amount awarded is substantial
Answer: a) Yes, if the arbitration agreement allows for the grant of interest
Can a court grant a temporary injunction in aid of arbitration?
a) Yes, a court has the power to grant a temporary injunction to support arbitration
b) No, a court cannot grant any injunction in relation to an arbitration proceeding
c) Yes, but only if the arbitral tribunal requests the court to do so
d) Yes, but only if the dispute involves an international party
Answer: a) Yes, a court has the power to grant a temporary injunction to support arbitration
Can an arbitral award be challenged on the ground of error of fact?
a) Yes, if the error of fact is apparent on the face of the award
b) Yes, but only if the error of fact has resulted in substantial injustice
c) No, an arbitral award cannot be challenged on the ground of error of fact
d) Yes, but only if the error of fact is related to a point of law
Answer: c) No, an arbitral award cannot be challenged on the ground of error of fact
Can a court order consolidation of multiple arbitration proceedings?
a) Yes, a court can order consolidation if the parties agree to it
b) No, consolidation of arbitration proceedings is not allowed under the Act
c) Yes, if the arbitration agreements are compatible and involve common questions of law or fact
d) Yes, but only if the consolidation is requested by the arbitral tribunal
Answer: c) Yes, if the arbitration agreements are compatible and involve common questions of law or fact
What is the consequence of non-appearance of a party at an arbitration hearing?
a) The party’s claims are deemed to be withdrawn
b) The arbitral tribunal may proceed with the hearing and make an award
c) The arbitration proceedings are terminated
d) The party is deemed to have admitted the other party’s claims
Answer: b) The arbitral tribunal may proceed with the hearing and make an award
Can an arbitral award be challenged on the ground of arbitrator bias?
a) Yes, if the bias is evident from the conduct of the arbitrator
b) Yes, but only if the arbitrator has a personal interest in the outcome of the case
c) No, an arbitral award cannot be challenged on the ground of arbitrator bias
d) Yes, but only if the bias is established through a separate arbitration proceeding
Answer: c) No, an arbitral award cannot be challenged on the ground of arbitrator bias
Can a court grant interim measures after the commencement of arbitration proceedings?
a) Yes, a court can grant interim measures before and during arbitration proceedings
b) No, once arbitration proceedings commence, only the arbitral tribunal can grant interim measures
c) Yes, but only if the parties agree to the court’s jurisdiction for interim measures
d) Yes, but only if the dispute involves an international party
Answer: b) No, once arbitration proceedings commence, only the arbitral tribunal can grant interim measures
Can an arbitral award be set aside on the ground of public policy?
a) Yes, if the award is against the principles of morality or justice
b) Yes, but only if the award is contrary to the public policy of India
c) No, an arbitral award cannot be set aside on the ground of public policy
d) Yes, but only if the award is made by a foreign arbitral tribunal
Answer: b) Yes, but only if the award is contrary to the public policy of India
Can an arbitral award be enforced against a party who was not a signatory to the arbitration agreement?
a) Yes, if the non-signatory is a successor-in-interest to a signatory
b) No, an arbitral award can only be enforced against the signatories
c) Yes, if the non-signatory consents to the arbitration proceedings
d) Yes, but only if the dispute involves an international party
Answer: a) Yes, if the non-signatory is a successor-in-interest to a signatory
Can an arbitral award be modified or corrected by the arbitral tribunal?
a) Yes, the arbitral tribunal has the power to modify or correct its award
b) No, an arbitral award cannot be modified or corrected once it is rendered
c) Yes, but only if both parties agree to the modification or correction
d) Yes, but only if the award is made by a foreign arbitral tribunal
Answer: a) Yes, the arbitral tribunal has the power to modify or correct its award
Can a court review the merits of an arbitral award during the enforcement stage?
a) Yes, a court can review the merits of the award before enforcing it
b) No, a court cannot review the merits of an arbitral award
c) Yes, but only if the award is made by a domestic arbitral tribunal
d) Yes, but only if the award is challenged by a party in a separate lawsuit
Answer: b) No, a court cannot review the merits of an arbitral award
Can an arbitral award be set aside if the arbitrator exceeds the scope of the arbitration agreement?
a) Yes, if the excess is evident from the award itself
b) Yes, but only if the excess is established through separate arbitration proceedings
c) No, an arbitral award cannot be set aside for exceeding the scope of the agreement
d) Yes, but only if the excess is established through a court-ordered inquiry
Answer: c) No, an arbitral award cannot be set aside for exceeding the scope of the agreement
Can an arbitral tribunal order specific performance of a contract?
a) Yes, if the contract specifically provides for the remedy of specific performance
b) Yes, at the discretion of the arbitral tribunal
c) No, an arbitral tribunal does not have the power to order specific performance
d) Yes, but only if the dispute involves an international party
Answer: a) Yes, if the contract specifically provides for the remedy of specific performance
Can an arbitral award be set aside if the arbitrator commits a procedural irregularity?
a) Yes, if the irregularity results in substantial injustice to a party
b) Yes, but only if the irregularity is established through a separate arbitration proceeding
c) No, an arbitral award cannot be set aside for procedural irregularities
d) Yes, but only if the irregularity is established through a court-ordered inquiry
Answer: a) Yes, if the irregularity results in substantial injustice to a party
Can an arbitral award be enforced against a party who is insolvent or bankrupt?
a) Yes, an arbitral award can be enforced against an insolvent or bankrupt party
b) No, an arbitral award cannot be enforced against an insolvent or bankrupt party
c) Yes, but only if the bankruptcy court approves the enforcement
d) Yes, but only if the award is made by a foreign arbitral tribunal
Answer: a) Yes, an arbitral award can be enforced against an insolvent or bankrupt party
Can an arbitral award be challenged on the ground of mistake?
a) Yes, if the mistake is evident from the award itself
b) Yes, but only if the mistake is established through a separate arbitration proceeding
c) No, an arbitral award cannot be challenged on the ground of mistake
d) Yes, but only if the mistake is related to a point of law
Answer: c) No, an arbitral award cannot be challenged on the ground of mistake
Can an arbitral tribunal award punitive damages?
a) Yes, if the tribunal finds that the party has acted in a malicious manner
b) No, an arbitral tribunal does not have the power to award punitive damages
c) Yes, but only if the arbitration agreement specifically allows for punitive damages
d) Yes, but only if the dispute involves an international party
Answer: b) No, an arbitral tribunal does not have the power to award punitive damages
Can an arbitral award be set aside if the arbitrator is found to have undisclosed conflicts of interest?
a) Yes, if the conflicts of interest are evident from the award itself
b) Yes, but only if the conflicts of interest are established through a separate arbitration proceeding
c) No, an arbitral award cannot be set aside for undisclosed conflicts of interest
d) Yes, but only if the conflicts of interest are established through a court-ordered inquiry
Answer: c) No, an arbitral award cannot be set aside for undisclosed conflicts of interest
Can an arbitral award be challenged on the ground of violation of natural justice?
a) Yes, if the violation is evident from the award itself
b) Yes, but only if the violation is established through a separate arbitration proceeding
c) No, an arbitral award cannot be challenged on the ground of violation of natural justice
d) Yes, but only if the violation is established through a court-ordered inquiry
Answer: c) No, an arbitral award cannot be challenged on the ground of violation of natural justice
Can an arbitral tribunal order the consolidation of separate arbitral proceedings?
a) Yes, if the parties agree to consolidate the proceedings
b) No, consolidation of separate arbitral proceedings is not allowed under the Act
c) Yes, but only if the arbitration agreements allow for consolidation
d) Yes, but only if the parties agree to consolidation and obtain court approval
Answer: a) Yes, if the parties agree to consolidate the proceedings
Can an arbitral award be set aside on the ground of insufficient reasoning?
a) Yes, if the award does not contain sufficient reasoning to support the decision
b) Yes, but only if the insufficiency of reasoning is established through a separate arbitration proceeding
c) No, an arbitral award cannot be set aside for insufficient reasoning
d) Yes, but only if the insufficiency of reasoning is established through a court-ordered inquiry
Answer: c) No, an arbitral award cannot be set aside for insufficient reasoning
Can a court grant an anti-arbitration injunction to prevent arbitration proceedings?
a) Yes, a court can grant an anti-arbitration injunction in exceptional circumstances
b) No, a court cannot grant any injunction to prevent arbitration proceedings
c) Yes, but only if the dispute involves a public authority
d) Yes, but only if the arbitration agreement is found to be invalid
Answer: a) Yes, a court can grant an anti-arbitration injunction in exceptional circumstances
Can an arbitral award be challenged on the ground of error of law?
a) Yes, if the error of law is apparent on the face of the award
b) Yes, but only if the error of law has resulted in substantial injustice
c) No, an arbitral award cannot be challenged on the ground of error of law
d) Yes, but only if the error of law is related to the interpretation of the Act
Answer: c) No, an arbitral award cannot be challenged on the ground of error of law
Can an arbitral tribunal grant pre-award interest?
a) Yes, if the arbitration agreement allows for the grant of pre-award interest
b) Yes, but only at the discretion of the arbitral tribunal
c) No, an arbitral tribunal does not have the power to grant pre-award interest
d) Yes, but only if the amount in dispute is substantial
Answer: a) Yes, if the arbitration agreement allows for the grant of pre-award interest
Can a court grant a stay of arbitration proceedings?
a) Yes, a court can grant a stay of arbitration proceedings in exceptional circumstances
b) No, a court does not have the power to grant a stay of arbitration proceedings
c) Yes, but only if the arbitration agreement is found to be invalid
d) Yes, but only if the dispute involves an international party
Answer: a) Yes, a court can grant a stay of arbitration proceedings in exceptional circumstances
Can an arbitral award be challenged on the ground of failure to consider the evidence?
a) Yes, if the failure to consider the evidence is evident from the award itself
b) Yes, but only if the failure to consider the evidence has resulted in substantial injustice
c) No, an arbitral award cannot be challenged on the ground of failure to consider the evidence
d) Yes, but only if the failure to consider the evidence is established through a separate arbitration proceeding
Answer: c) No, an arbitral award cannot be challenged on the ground of failure to consider the evidence
Can an arbitral award be enforced if it is set aside by a court?
a) Yes, an arbitral award can still be enforced despite being set aside by a court
b) No, an arbitral award cannot be enforced if it is set aside by a court
c) Yes, but only if the party seeking enforcement obtains leave from the court
d) Yes, but only if the arbitration agreement provides for enforcement in such cases
Answer: b) No, an arbitral award cannot be enforced if it is set aside by a court
Can an arbitral tribunal order security for costs?
a) Yes, an arbitral tribunal has the power to order security for costs
b) No, an arbitral tribunal does not have the power to order security for costs
c) Yes, but only if the arbitration agreement specifically allows for security for costs
d) Yes, but only if the dispute involves an international party
Answer: a) Yes, an arbitral tribunal has the power to order security for costs
Can an arbitral award be set aside on the ground of lack of jurisdiction?
a) Yes, if the lack of jurisdiction is evident from the award itself
b) Yes, but only if the lack of jurisdiction is established through a separate arbitration proceeding
c) No, an arbitral award cannot be set aside for lack of jurisdiction
d) Yes, but only if the lack of jurisdiction is established through a court-ordered inquiry
Answer: c) No, an arbitral award cannot be set aside for lack of jurisdiction
Can an arbitral tribunal award compound interest?
a) Yes, if the arbitration agreement allows for the award of compound interest
b) No, an arbitral tribunal does not have the power to award compound interest
c) Yes, but only at the discretion of the arbitral tribunal
d) Yes, but only if the dispute involves an international party
Answer: b) No, an arbitral tribunal does not have the power to award compound interest
Can an arbitral award be challenged on the ground of fraud?
a) Yes, if the fraud is evident from the award itself
b) Yes, but only if the fraud is established through a separate arbitration proceeding
c) No, an arbitral award cannot be challenged on the ground of fraud
d) Yes, but only if the fraud is established through a court-ordered inquiry
Answer: c) No, an arbitral award cannot be challenged on the ground of fraud
Can a court set aside an arbitral award on the ground of patent illegality?
a) Yes, if the award is found to be in violation of a substantive provision of law
b) Yes, but only if the award is set aside by a higher court
c) No, a court cannot set aside an arbitral award on the ground of patent illegality
d) Yes, but only if the award is made by a foreign arbitral tribunal
Answer: a) Yes, if the award is found to be in violation of a substantive provision of law
Can an arbitral award be challenged on the ground of lack of reasoning?
a) Yes, if the lack of reasoning is evident from the award itself
b) Yes, but only if the lack of reasoning is established through a separate arbitration proceeding
c) No, an arbitral award cannot be challenged on the ground of lack of reasoning
d) Yes, but only if the lack of reasoning is established through a court-ordered inquiry
Answer: c) No, an arbitral award cannot be challenged on the ground of lack of reasoning
Can an arbitral award be enforced against a third party?
a) Yes, if the third party is a signatory to the arbitration agreement
b) No, an arbitral award can only be enforced against the parties to the arbitration agreement
c) Yes, but only if the third party consents to the enforcement
d) Yes, but only if the dispute involves an international party
Answer: b) No, an arbitral award can only be enforced against the parties to the arbitration agreement
Can an arbitral award be challenged on the ground of inconsistency?
a) Yes, if the inconsistency is evident from the award itself
b) Yes, but only if the inconsistency is established through a separate arbitration proceeding
c) No, an arbitral award cannot be challenged on the ground of inconsistency
d) Yes, but only if the inconsistency is established through a court-ordered inquiry
Answer: c) No, an arbitral award cannot be challenged on the ground of inconsistency
Can an arbitral tribunal grant interim measures of protection?
a) Yes, an arbitral tribunal has the power to grant interim measures of protection
b) No, an arbitral tribunal does not have the power to grant interim measures of protection
c) Yes, but only if the parties agree to the tribunal’s jurisdiction for interim measures
d) Yes, but only if the dispute involves an international party
Answer: a) Yes, an arbitral tribunal has the power to grant interim measures of protection
Can an arbitral award be challenged on the ground of non-compliance with procedural rules?
a) Yes, if the non-compliance results in substantial injustice to a party
b) Yes, but only if the non-compliance is established through a separate arbitration proceeding
c) No, an arbitral award cannot be challenged on the ground of non-compliance with procedural rules
d) Yes, but only if the non-compliance is established through a court-ordered inquiry
Answer: c) No, an arbitral award cannot be challenged on the ground of non-compliance with procedural rules
Can an arbitral award be enforced through the execution process?
a) Yes, an arbitral award can be enforced through the execution process
b) No, an arbitral award cannot be enforced through the execution process
c) Yes, but only if the award is made by a domestic arbitral tribunal
d) Yes, but only if the award is set aside by a court
Answer: a) Yes, an arbitral award can be enforced through the execution process
Can an arbitral award be challenged on the ground of violation of the Indian Contract Act, 1872?
a) Yes, if the award is found to be in violation of a provision of the Indian Contract Act
b) Yes, but only if the violation is established through a separate arbitration proceeding
c) No, an arbitral award cannot be challenged on the ground of violation of the Indian Contract Act
d) Yes, but only if the violation is related to the formation of the arbitration agreement
Answer: c) No, an arbitral award cannot be challenged on the ground of violation of the Indian Contract Act