Case Details

  • Case name: National Highways Authority of India & Ors. vs Mary Varkey & Ors.
  • Petition(s): Special Leave to Appeal (C) No. 16433/2025 and No. 35784/2025.
  • Court/Authority: Supreme Court of India, Registrar Gracy L. Bawitung.
  • Date of order: 25‑05‑2026.
  • Period of dispute: Not specified.

Parties Involved

  • Petitioners: National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and other petitioners.
  • Respondents: Mary Varkey and other respondents (numbered 1‑33).
  • Counsel for Petitioners: Ms. Tanu Priya Gupta (Advocate‑on‑Record).
  • Counsel for Respondents: Ms. Anna Oommen (Advocate‑on‑Record), Mr. Jashan Vir Singh (Advocate), Ms. Anne Mathew (Advocate), Mr. C. K. Sasi (Advocate‑on‑Record), Dr. K. K. Geetha (Advocate), Ms. Meena K. Poulose (Advocate).

Issues / Allegations / Violations

  • Non‑filing of counter affidavits by several respondents despite service of notice.
  • Failure of many respondents to enter appearance before the Court.
  • Need for clarification of particulars by petitioner for certain respondents.

Findings & Observations

  • Respondents numbers 2, 4, 6‑8, 11, 14, 16‑20, 23‑25 have filed counter affidavits.
  • Respondents numbers 31‑33 have not filed counter affidavits; the Court declines any further opportunity for them.
  • Respondents numbers 1‑3 have not entered appearance (SLP 35784/2025).
  • The Court notes that service of notice has been completed for all respondents.

Penalties / Settlements / Directions

  • No monetary penalties imposed.
  • Directions:
  • Petitioner's counsel to file fresh particulars for respondents 12, 15, 27, 28 on or before 01‑06‑2026 (SLP 16433/2025).
  • Counter affidavit for respondent 4 (SLP 35784/2025) to be filed on or before 13‑07‑2026.
  • Matter to be listed again on 29‑07‑2026 for SLP 16433/2025.
  • After filing of respondent 4’s counter affidavit, the matter to be processed for listing before the Court.

Corrective Actions & Future Obligations

  • Petitioner's counsel must submit the required fresh particulars within the stipulated deadline.
  • Respondent 4 must file a counter affidavit by 13‑07‑2026.
  • All parties must comply with the listing schedule and appear before the Court as directed.

Final Ruling & Enforcement

  • The Court declines any further extension for respondents 31‑33.
  • The matter is scheduled for re‑listing on 29‑07‑2026 pending compliance with the above directions.
  • A copy of the Record of Proceedings to be furnished to the concerned Advocate‑on‑Record for information and compliance.