Role of conciliator
Section 67 of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996 deals with role of conciliator. The conciliator shall assist the parties in an independent and impartial manner in their attempt to reach an amicable settlement of their dispute. The Act came into force on 22 Aug 1996.
(1) The conciliator shall assist the parties in an independent and impartial manner in their attempt to reach an amicable settlement of their dispute.
(2) The conciliator shall be guided by principles of objectivity, fairness and justice, giving consideration to, among other things, the rights and obligations of the parties, the usages of the trade concerned and the circumstances surrounding the dispute, including any previous business practices between the parties.
(3) The conciliator may conduct the conciliation proceedings in such a manner as he considers appropriate, taking into account the circumstances of the case, the wishes the parties may express, including any request by a party that the conciliator hear oral statements, and the need for a speedy settlement of the dispute.
(4) The conciliator may, at any stage of the conciliation proceedings, make proposals for a settlement of the dispute. Such proposals need not be in writing and need not be accompanied by a statement of the reasons therefor.
Section 67, The Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996 (Act 26 of 1996).
Related judgements & precedents
These are some judgments that construed this section, and hold precedence value. They hold authority on how to read, interpret and use this section.
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United India Insurance Co. LTD vs Ajay Sinha
Court's Decision & Legal Precedent
When a dispute before the Permanent Lok Adalat involves the determination of whether a non-compoundable criminal offence has been committed, the Permanent Lok Adalat lacks jurisdiction to entertain such dispute, notwithstanding that the pecuniary value of the claim falls within its jurisdictional limit of Rs. 10 lakhs. The phrase 'relating to an offence' in the first proviso to Section 22-C(1) of the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987 must be interpreted broadly to exclude cases where the resolution of the civil dispute depends on determining whether a non-compoundable offence has occurred.
On this section: Describes role of conciliator as assisting parties in independent and impartial manner, guided by principles of objectivity, fairness and justice
The holding above is the ratio decidendi as extracted from the judgment by eCourts India, reproduced unaltered — it is a rendering of the court's reasoning, not a substitute for its words. Read the order itself before relying on it.
Questions about Section 67
What have the courts held on Section 67 of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act?
United India Insurance Co. LTD vs Ajay Sinha (13 May 2008) is the leading judgment on this section among those set out below: Describes role of conciliator as assisting parties in independent and impartial manner, guided by principles of objectivity, fairness and justice.
How do I find court cases under Section 67 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 67, section 67 Arbitration Act, section 67 of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act. People searching for it also type arbitration act 1996 section 67. Each opens the full list of orders on eCourtsIndia, where it can be narrowed by court, year and outcome. 1 reported judgment on this section is set out on this page, beginning with United India Insurance Co. LTD vs Ajay Sinha (13 May 2008).
When did Section 67 of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act come into force?
Section 67 of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, cited as Arbitration Act 67, 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 15 Oct 2026. This page is not a substitute for legal advice.