Section 31A(1) in The Arbitration And Conciliation Act, 1996
(1)In relation to any arbitration proceeding or a proceeding under any of the provisions of this Act pertaining to the arbitration, the Court or arbitral tribunal, notwithstanding anything contained in the Code of Civil Procedure,1908, shall have the discretion to determine-(a)whether costs are payable by one party to another;(b)the amount of such costs; and(c)when such costs are to be paid.Explanation. - For the purpose of this sub-section, "costs" means reasonable costs relating to-(i)the fees and expenses of the arbitrators, Courts and witnesses;(ii)legal fees and expenses;(iii)any administration fees of the institution supervising the arbitration; and(iv)any other expenses incurred in connection with the arbitral or Court proceedings and the arbitral award.
