Authority: Judge Romesh Verma, District Court, Mandi
Order Date: 15 July 2026
Case Overview
- Parties: Applicant – National Highways Authority of India (NHAI); Respondents – Raj Kumar and others (Respondents No.1‑3, Respondent No.4).
- Original judgment: Passed by the learned District Judge on 07‑Mar‑2025.
- Delay details: Application seeks condonation of a 329‑day delay in filing the appeal. Certified copy of the impugned judgment was applied for on 12‑Jun‑2025 and received on 20‑Jun‑2025. The applicant was unaware of the disposal because counsel did not intimate the decision.
- Counsel inefficiency: Law firm M.V. Kini & Co. had withdrawn cases via letters dated 20‑Sep‑2023 and 26‑Mar‑2024. At the close of the financial year, the applicant inquired about pendency and learned that objection petitions relating to Mohal Dehar had been disposed, revealing the lack of communication from counsel.
- Supporting documents: Application supported by an affidavit and submissions from the applicant’s counsel.
Final Outcome
- The court held that the delay was neither intentional nor willful and was caused by unavoidable circumstances.
- The application for condonation was allowed; the 329‑day delay is condoned.
- The appeal (OMP(M) No.269 of 2026) is hereby registered and admitted.
- Counsel for the appellant is directed to supply a copy of the entire paper book to the respondents’ counsel on the same day.
- In a separate order (OMPST No.3946 of 2026), the court stayed the operation, implementation, and execution of the impugned order dated 07‑Mar‑2025 and the arbitral award dated 30‑May‑2023 pending the appellant’s deposit of the entire awarded amount with up‑to‑date interest within eight weeks from the order date.
- The application under OMPST No.3946 is disposed of.
Topics: Legal Delay, Appeal Condonation, Stay Order