Code of Conduct for Arbitrators
1. Independence and Impartiality
• Arbitrators shall remain impartial and independent throughout the arbitration proceedings.
• Arbitrators must disclose any potential or actual conflicts of interest at the earliest opportunity and recuse themselves if necessary.
2. Confidentiality
• Arbitrators shall maintain the confidentiality of all information, records, and communications arising from or related to arbitration proceedings, except as otherwise required by law or agreed by the parties.
3. Diligence and Timeliness
• Arbitrators must devote adequate time and attention to ensure efficient, fair, and timely resolution of disputes.
• Arbitrators shall avoid unnecessary delays and adhere to the procedural timelines agreed upon or prescribed.
4. Competence and Fairness
• Arbitrators shall possess the requisite legal and subject matter knowledge to conduct proceedings competently.
• They must ensure that all parties are treated with equality and are given a full opportunity to present their case.
5. Professional Conduct
• Arbitrators shall not solicit or accept gifts, favors, or benefits from any party to the arbitration.
• They must conduct themselves in a manner that upholds the dignity and reputation of the arbitration process and of JCAM.
6. Prohibition on Ex Parte Communications
• Arbitrators shall not engage in unilateral communications with any party concerning substantive matters of the case, unless expressly permitted by the arbitration rules or with the consent of all parties.
7. Continuous Obligation of Disclosure
• Arbitrators shall continuously monitor any potential conflict of interest and make appropriate disclosures during the course of the proceedings if such a situation arises.
Removal of Arbitrator from JCAM Panel
JCAM reserves the right to remove an Arbitrator from its panel under the following circumstances:
1. Violation of the Code of Conduct or other ethical guidelines issued by JCAM from time to time.
2. Conviction by a court of law in a criminal case involving punishment of more than one month.
3. Declaration of insolvency or bankruptcy of the Arbitrator.
4. Failure to disclose conflicts of interest which may affect impartiality and the integrity of the proceedings.
5. Receipt of substantiated complaints regarding delay, bias, or misconduct from parties to the arbitration.
6. Demonstrated incompetence or failure to conduct proceedings fairly, resulting in prejudice to either party.
Removal may be initiated suo motu by JCAM or based on a complaint from a party and shall follow a fair process of enquiry and representation before final decision
