(1) In addition to the circumstances referred to in section 13 or section 14, the mandate of an arbitrator shall terminate—
(a) where he withdraws from office for any reason; or
(b) by or pursuant to agreement of the parties.
(2) Where the mandate of an arbitrator terminates, a substitute arbitrator shall be appointed according to the rules that were applicable to the appointment of the arbitrator being replaced.
(3) Unless otherwise agreed by the parties, where an arbitrator is replaced under sub-section (2), any hearings previously held may be repeated at the discretion of the arbitral tribunal.
(4) Unless otherwise agreed by the parties, an order or ruling of the arbitral tribunal made prior to the replacement of an arbitrator under this section shall not be invalid solely because there has been a change in the composition of the arbitral tribunal.
Legal Commentary & Landmark Judgments: Section 15
Section 15 of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996 provides for the termination of the mandate and substitution of an arbitrator, prescribing that a substitute arbitrator shall be appointed according to the rules that were applicable to the appointment of the arbitrator being replaced.
Upon the resignation or demise of an arbitrator, issue a formal demand under Section 15(2) calling upon the opposing party to appoint a substitute arbitrator within thirty days; upon default, move the High Court under Section 11(6).