The answer is: D
Explanation
The correct option is D: All of the above.
According to Section 7 (4) of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996, an arbitration agreement is in writing if it is contained in any of the following forms:
- A document signed by the parties: This means that the parties have explicitly agreed to arbitrate their disputes by signing a written contract or a separate arbitration clause.
- An exchange of letters, telex, telegrams or other means of telecommunication which provide a record of the agreement: This means that the parties have communicated their consent to arbitrate through written correspondence or electronic means that can be verified and stored.
- An exchange of statements of claim and defence in which the existence of the agreement is alleged by one party and not denied by the other: This means that the parties have implicitly agreed to arbitrate by raising or accepting the arbitration issue in their pleadings before a court or tribunal.
Therefore, an arbitration agreement can be in writing even if it is not contained in a single document, as long as there is some evidence of the parties intention to arbitrate.