NHAI vs. Chandere Shekhar OMP(M) No.283 of 2025 22.09.2025 Present: Mr. Sumeet Raj Sharma, Advocate, for the applicant. OMP(M) No. 283 of 2025 Respondent has been served but none has put in appearance, hence proceeded against ex-parte. By way of this application, a prayer has been made to condone delay of 180 days in filing the appeal under section 37 of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act 1996 against the judgment dated 01.08.2024, titled as National Highwqays Authority vs. Chander Shekhar, passed by learned District Judge, Mandi Division, District Mandi, H.P., in Arbitration case No 84 of 2023. One of the reasons assigned in the application, due to which the applicant was prevented from filing appeal within time, is that the earlier counsel engaged by the applicant had indulged in certain mis-communication. The contents of the application are duly supported by affidavit of competent authority and further there is no opposition to the application. In such circumstances, there is nothing before this Court to disbelieve the averments made in the application. Accordingly, the application is allowed. Delay in filing the appeal under Section 37 of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996 is condoned. Application stands disposed of. Arb.Appeal No………………..ARBST No. 23356 of 2025 Be registered. Admit. Issue post admission notice to respondents, returnable on 08.12.2025. Steps be taken within two weeks. OMPST No. 23430 of 2025 It be registered. Notice in aforesaid terms. In the meanwhile, the operation of impugned judgment dated 01.08.2024, passed by the Ld. District Judge, Mandi Division , District Mandi, HP and also the arbitral award dated 08.02.2023 in case No. 152 of 2018 shall remain stayed subject to the applicant/appellant depositing the entire award amount and up to date interest accrued thereupon in the Registry of this Court within eight weeks from today. (Satyen Vaidya) Judge September 22, 2025 (veena)