Authority: Supreme Court of India

Order Date: 29-07-2026

Case Overview

  • Parties: National Highways Authority of India (Petitioner) vs. Babulal Bhausrao Mali & Anr (Respondents); also related Interim Applications (IA No. 205047/2026, IA No. 205044/2026, IA No. 205790/2026).
  • Background: Acquisition of land/project commenced in 2005, resulting in an Arbitral Award. NHAI raised objections under Section 34 of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, which were dismissed in 2020. NHAI subsequently filed an appeal under Section 37.
  • High Court interim order (dated 07-03-2026) allowed withdrawal of 50% of the amount deposited by the parties, ranging from Rs.82,000 to Rs.2,30,000, with interest, subject to an undertaking to repay if the Section 37 appeal succeeds.

Final Outcome

  • The Supreme Court condoned the delay in filing the interim applications.
  • It held that NHAI had no justification to file Special Leave Petitions against the High Court interim order and dismissed the SLPs.
  • The Court upheld the High Court’s interim arrangement, permitting the withdrawal of the entire 50% deposited amount with accrued interest.
  • All pending interlocutory applications, if any, were disposed of.

Topics: Arbitration, Infrastructure, Legal Proceedings