(1) The arbitral tribunal shall have the power to rule on objections that it has no jurisdiction, including any objections with respect to the existence or validity of the arbitration clause or arbitration agreement, or concerning whether all of the claims made in the arbitration may be determined in a single arbitration.
(2) An arbitration clause forming part of a contract and that provides for arbitration under the Rules shall be treated as an agreement independent of the other terms of the contract. A decision by the arbitral tribunal that the contract is void shall not automatically entail the invalidity of the arbitration clause.
(3) A plea that the arbitral tribunal does not have jurisdiction, or that the claims made in the arbitration may not be determined in a single arbitration, shall be raised not later than in the Statement of Defense or, with respect to a counterclaim or any other claim for the purpose of set-off, in the reply thereto. A party is not precluded from raising such a plea by the fact that it has appointed, or participated in the appointment of, an arbitrator. A plea that the arbitral tribunal is exceeding the scope of its authority shall be raised as soon as the matter alleged to be beyond the scope of its authority is raised during the proceedings. However, the arbitral tribunal may admit a later plea if it considers the delay justified.
(4) The arbitral tribunal shall rule on a plea concerning its jurisdiction, either as a preliminary question or in an award on the merits. The arbitral tribunal may continue the arbitral proceedings and make an award, notwithstanding any pending challenge to its jurisdiction before a court if allowed under the applicable law
(5) In cases when the propriety of a single or consolidated arbitration is in issue, PDRCI shall decide whether and to what extent the arbitration shall proceed. The arbitration shall proceed in accordance with Article 10 (Consolidation of Arbitrations).