Section 23 Arbitration Act 1996 prescribes PERIOD for SUBMITTING STATEMENTS:

1. Section 23 Arbitration and Conciliation Act 1996 prescribes STATEMENTS OF CLAIM AND DEFENCE: 2. (1) Within the period of time AGREED by the parties or determined by the arbitral tribunal, the claimant shall state the FACTS supporting his CLAIM, the POINTS AT ISSUE and the RELIEF or REMEDY sought, and the respondent shall state his DEFENCE in respect of these particulars, unless the parties have otherwise agreed as to the required elements. 3. (2) Parties may submit with their statements all DOCUMENTS they consider to be relevant. 4. (2A): The respondent, in support of his case, may also submit a COUNTER-CLAIM or plead a SET-OFF. 5. (3) Unless otherwise agreed, EITHER PARTY may AMEND or SUPPLEMENT his claim or defence during the proceedings unless the tribunal considers it inappropriate to allow due to delay. 6. (4) (Added 2019) — Statements of claim/defence to be COMPLETED within 6 MONTHS from date of arbitrator's notice of acceptance. 7. Hence option B is correct. _Source: Arbitration and Conciliation Act 1996 (Bare Act) + Mediation Act 2023 — Arbitration and Conciliation Act 1996, Section 23_