Authority: District Court, Mandi

Order Date: 15 July 2026

Case Overview

  • Parties: National Highways Authority of India (applicant) vs. Krishanu (respondent).
  • OMP(M) No.286 of 2026 filed on 15.07.2026 by counsel Ms. Sneh Bhimta (advocate, vice counsel) for the applicant; respondent represented by Mr. Malay Kaushal.
  • The applicant sought condonation of a 289‑day delay in filing an appeal against the impugned judgment dated 13.01.2025 passed by the learned District Judge, Mandi.
  • The applicant claimed it only received a certified copy of the impugned judgment on 05.04.2025, after applying for it on 06.03.2025, and was not intimated of the disposal.
  • Additional delay attributed to inefficiency of the law firm M.V. Kini & Co.; the firm had withdrawn from handling cases via letters dated 20.09.2023 and 26.03.2024.
  • Upon year‑end inquiry, the applicant learned that objection petitions concerning “Mohal Chhat” had been disposed, which the counsel had failed to communicate.
  • The applicant asserted the delay was unavoidable and not intentional.
  • Separate proceeding: Arb. Appeal No.______ of 2026 was registered, heard, and admitted. Counsel for the appellant was directed to supply a copy of the entire paper book to the respondent’s counsel on the same day. The matter was to be listed in due course.
  • OMPST No.3949 of 2026 was also registered and heard. The court ordered that, subject to the appellant/applicant depositing the entire awarded amount along with up‑to‑date interest within eight weeks from the order date, the operation, implementation, and execution of the impugned judgment dated 13.01.2025 and the arbitral award dated 23.01.2023 (issued during the pendency of the appeal) are stayed.

Final Outcome

  • The application for condonation of delay was allowed; the 289‑day delay was condoned.
  • The appeal was registered and the appellant’s counsel was instructed to exchange the complete paper book with the respondent’s counsel.
  • A stay was imposed on the execution of both the 13 Jan 2025 district court judgment and the 23 Jan 2023 arbitral award, conditional upon the applicant depositing the full award amount plus interest within eight weeks.
  • All applications were disposed of by Judge Romesh Verma on 15 July 2026.

Topics: Legal Delay Condonation, Stay Order