Authority: Judge Romesh Verma, District Court Mandi
Order Date: 07 July 2026
Case Overview
- Parties: National Highways Authority of India (applicant) vs Sheela Devi & another (respondents).
- Subject Matter: Appeal against the judgment dated 29 March 2025 passed by the learned District Judge, Mandi, and the arbitral award dated 15 February 2023.
- Application Details: Filed as OMP(M) No. 249 of 2026 seeking condonation of a 213‑day delay in filing the appeal. The applicant cited non‑receipt of a certified copy of the impugned judgment and prior counsel inefficiency as reasons for the delay.
- Counsel: Ms. Sneh Bhimta, Advocate, vice counsel for the applicant; Mr. Yudhvir Singh Thakur, Advocate, for the respondents.
- Respondents’ Position: The non‑applicants’ counsel raised no objection to the condonation.
Observations & Reasoning
- The court found that the delay was neither intentional nor willful, arising from unavoidable circumstances, including the applicant’s lack of knowledge of the judgment’s disposal.
- The affidavit and submissions supporting the applicant’s claim were accepted.
- Exercising its discretion, the court decided to condone the delay.
Directions
- The application is allowed; the 213‑day delay in filing the appeal is condoned.
- The appeal is registered (Arb. Appeal No. _______/2026) and will be listed for hearing.
- Execution of the impugned judgment dated 29‑Mar‑2025 and the arbitral award dated 15‑Feb‑2023 is stayed pending the appeal.
- The stay is conditional upon the appellant depositing the entire awarded amount together with up‑to‑date interest within eight weeks from the order date.
- The matter is ordered to be sent for records.
Final Outcome
- Appeal permitted, stay granted, and the application disposed.
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