NHAI vs. Bhatti Devi & others OMP(M) No. 396 of 2025 01.04.2026 Present: Mr. Sumeet Raj Sharma, Advocate, for the applicant. Respondents No. 1 to 3 proceeded against ex- parte. Mr. Diwakar Dev Sharma, Additional Advocate General, for respondent No.4. OMP(M) No. 396 of 2025 The present application has been filed for condonation of delay in filing the present appeal. As per the averments made therein, it is stated that the applicant had engaged M/s Kini Law Firm for the purpose of challenging the arbitral award before the learned District Judge, Mandi, H.P. It is further averred that the said firm vide its legal opinion dated 19.07.2025, had opined to the applicant that they should file an appeal against the impugned judgment dated 02.01.2025. Immediately, thereafter, necessary steps were taken by the office of the applicant to file the present appeal. The applicant has further submitted that the delay in filing the present appeal is neither intentional nor deliberate, but has occurred on account of bona fide reasons, as stated in the application, which is duly supported by an affidavit. In view of the averments as made in the application which is duly supported by an affidavit and in view of the submissions made by learned counsel for the parties, the present application is allowed and the delay of 230 days in filing the appeal is condoned. Application stands disposed off. Arb. Appeal No.____/2026 (ARBAST No. 42937/25) Appeal be registered. Admit. List for hearing in due course. Record be requisitioned. OMP No. _______2026 (OMPST45431/25) Application be registered. Subject to deposit of entire awarded amount alongwith up to date interest by the applicant/appellant, execution, implementation and operation of impugned award dated 07.08.2023, passed by Arbitrator and judgment dated 02.01.2025, passed by learned District Judge, Mandi, H.P. in CIS Registration No. 32 of 2024, shall remain stayed during the pendency of appeal. Needful be done within eight weeks from today. Application stands disposed off. (Romesh Verma) Judge April 1, 2026 (Nisha)