Authority: Supreme Court of India

Order Date: 18 July 2026

Case Overview

  • Petitioners: Employees State Insurance Corporation (ESIC).
  • Respondents: Life Line Hospital and Research Centre.
  • Origin: Special Leave Petition (Civil) Diary No. 35285/2026 arising out of the impugned final judgment and order dated 19‑02‑2026 in MA No. 594/2024 passed by the High Court of Judicature at Patna.
  • Hearing date: 17‑07‑2026 before Hon'ble Mr. Justice Sanjay Kumar and Hon'ble Mr. Justice Sanjeev Sachdeva.
  • Counsel for petitioner: Anand Mishra (AOR), Vandita Nain, Ayushi Rajput, Raj Mehra.
  • Counsel for respondent: Bipin Bihari, Dr. Ranjit Singh, Mohammad Aslam (AOR), Sara Shambhavi, Rashi Arora, Ashraf Yusuf Khan, Mateen Ahmad; also Mr. Mithlesh Kumar, Adv.

Observations & Directions

  • The Court condoned the delay in filing the Special Leave Petition.
  • Notice to be issued and returnable on 24‑08‑2026.
  • Respondent’s counsel, Mr. Mohammad Aslam, present on caveat/advance notice, waived service and accepted notice on behalf of the respondent; therefore, formal service is not required.
  • Counter affidavit to be filed within three weeks from the date of the order.
  • Any rejoinder to the counter affidavit may be filed within two weeks thereafter.
  • The arbitral award dated 01‑12‑2021 is not to be executed pending further proceedings.
  • Order digitally signed by Babita Pandey (Court Master) on 2026‑07‑18 11:35:53 IST (Signature not verified).

Final Outcome

  • Delay in filing the petition is condoned, allowing the case to proceed.
  • Procedural timeline set for notice return, counter‑affidavit, and rejoinder.
  • Execution of the arbitral award dated 1 December 2021 is stayed until the Supreme Court decides further.

Topics: Legal Proceedings, Arbitration Stay