In order to solve certain disputes among the partners, arbitrator has been appointed, but there is no arbitration clause in the partnership deed, except only communication through electronic means among the partners rela

The 'arbitration agreement' under the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996 means an agreement by the parties to submit to arbitration all or certain disputes which have arisen or which may arise between them in respect of defined legal relationship whether contractual or not. It may be in the form of an arbitration clause in a contract or in the form of a separate agreement. It has to be in writing. It is in writing if it is contained in a document signed by the parties, or in an exchange of letters, telex telegrams or other means of telecommunication "including communication through electronic means" which provide a record of the agreement, or in an exchange of statements of claim and defence in which the existence of agreement is alleged by one party and not denied by the other. Thus the appointment of arbitrator in the question cannot be challenged by the partner.