IN THE HIGH COURT OF HIMACHAL PRADESH, SHIMLA CMPMO No.703 of 2025 Decided on: 23.02.2026 Kuldip Singh & others ….Petitioners Versus National Highway Authority of India & another ...Respondents Coram Hon’ble Mr. Justice Romesh Verma, Judge Whether approved for reporting? For the petitioners: Kanwar Bhupinder Singh, Advocate. For the respondents: Mr. Karan Sharma, Advocate, for respondent No.1. Mr. Diwakar Dev Sharma, Additional Advocate General, for respondent No.2. Romesh Verma, Judge (Oral) After hearing the respective parties, this Court is of the opinion that in view of law as laid down by this Court in Arbitration Case No.126 of 2022 tilted as Ram Chand vs. Land Acquisition Officer & another along with connected matters, the instant petition can be disposed of by directing learned Arbitrator to conclude the arbitral proceedings in terms of the said judgment. 2. In the instant petition, a prayer has been made by the petitioners to extend the time for completion of arbitral proceedings pending before the Divisional Commissioner, Shimla, 2 District Shimla, exercising the power of Arbitrator under Section 2 of National Highways Act, 1956. 3. Accordingly, in view of the exposition of law as laid down by this Court, the present petition is allowed and the Divisional Commissioner, Shimla, District Shimla, exercising the power of Arbitrator under Section 2 of National Highways Act, 1956 is directed to conclude the arbitral proceedings in Arbitration Case No.13 of 2018 on or before 24th August, 2026. 4. Needless to point out that the learned Arbitrator shall decide the arbitration case strictly in accordance with law since this Court has not expressed anything on the merits of the case. 5. The petition stands disposed of so also the pending application(s), if any. ( Romesh Verma ) Judge February 23, 2026 (vt)