NHAI vs. Chhota Ram OMP(M) No. 411 of 2025 08.04.2026 Present: Mr. Sumeet Raj Sharma, Advocate, for the applicant. The sole respondent stands served, however, none has put in appearance on his behalf, therefore, he is proceeded against ex-parte. The present application has been filed for condonation of delay in filing the present appeal. It has been averred in the application that the applicant had engaged M/s Kini Law Firm to challenge the arbitral award before the learned District Judge, Mandi and thereafter the engaged counsel vide its legal opinion dated 18.06.2025, informed that the present applicant is required to file an appeal against the impugned judgment dated 02.12.2024 and it is only thereafter the applicant came to know about the passing of the impugned judgment dated 02.12.2024. It is averred that the certified copy of the impugned judgment was applied on 11.03.2025 and the same was delivered on 07.5.2026. Thereafter appropriate steps were taken for filing of the present appeal and in this process the delay of 261 days has occurred in filing the appeal. It has been contended by the learned counsel for the applicant that the delay in filing the appeal is neither intentional nor willful and the same has occurred due to unavoidable circumstances, which were beyond the control of the applicant. Keeping in view the averments as made in the application, which is duly supported by an affidavit and in view of the submissions as made by the learned counsel for the applicant, the application is allowed and the delay of 261 days in filing of appeal is condoned subject to payment of cost of Rs.2500/- which shall be paid by the applicant to H.P. High Court Bar Association Welfare Fund positively within two weeks from today, failing which benefit of the present order shall not be applicable to the present applicant. Appeal be registered Application stands disposed off. Arb. Appeal No._____ARBAST No. 42897/25 Issue notice to the sole respondent, returnable within a period of four weeks from today on taking steps within one week. ( Romesh Verma) Judge April 08, 2026 ( veena)