Language
Section 22 of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996 deals with language. The parties are free to agree upon the language or languages to be used in the arbitral proceedings. The Act came into force on 22 Aug 1996.
(1) The parties are free to agree upon the language or languages to be used in the arbitral proceedings.
(2) Failing any agreement referred to in sub-section (1), the arbitral tribunal shall determine the language or languages to be used in the arbitral proceedings.
(3) The agreement or determination, unless otherwise specified, shall apply to any written statement by a party, any hearing and any arbitral award, decision or other communication by the arbitral tribunal.
(4) The arbitral tribunal may order that any documentary evidence shall be accompanied by a translation into the language or languages agreed upon by the parties or determined by the arbitral tribunal.
Section 22, The Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996 (Act 26 of 1996).
Questions about Section 22
What does Section 22 of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act deal with?
Section 22 of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act is headed "Language". The parties are free to agree upon the language or languages to be used in the arbitral proceedings.
How do I find court cases under Section 22 of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act?
In judgments and charge sheets this section is written several ways, and each form finds a different set of orders. These search the full text of every order eCourtsIndia holds, best matches first: Arbitration Act 22, section 22 Arbitration Act, section 22 of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act. Each opens the full list of orders on eCourtsIndia, where it can be narrowed by court, year and outcome.
When did Section 22 of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act come into force?
Section 22 of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, cited as Arbitration Act 22, came into force on 22 Aug 1996, having been enacted on 16 Aug 1996. It is in force as at the date shown on this page.
Other sections of this Act
- 8. Power to refer parties to arbitration where there is an arbitration agreement1029 words
- 11. Appointment of arbitrators1027 words
- 34. Application for setting aside arbitral awards861 words
- 2. Definitions732 words
- 29A. Time limit for arbitral award635 words
- 57. Conditions for enforcement of foreign awards519 words
Source and method. Compiled from the enactments of Parliament and of the State legislatures as published on India Code, and republished together with commentary and other original matter under section 52(1)(q)(ii) of the Copyright Act, 1957. Structured, cross-referenced and maintained by eCourtsIndia. Text as in force on 14 Oct 2026. This page is not a substitute for legal advice.