IN THE HIGH COURT OF HIMACHAL PRADESH, SHIMLA Arb. Case No. 784 of 2024 Date of decision : 24.6.2025. Deepak Ratbour & others ...Petitioners. Versus National Highway Authority of India & others ...Respondents Coram: The Hon’ble Mr. Justice Satyen Vaidya, Judge. Whether approved for reporting?1 For the petitioner s : Mr. Vijay Bhatia, Advocate. For the respondents : Ms. Shreya Chauhan, Advocate, for respondent No.1. Mr. Rajender Thakur, CGC, for respondent Non.2. Mr. Baldev Negi, Addl. A.G., for respondent No.3. Satyen Vaidya, Judge (Oral) By way of this application, a prayer has been made to extend the period of mandate of Arbitrator in Arbitration Case No. 84 of 2015. 2. It is averred that the respondents had got the matter adjourned before the Arbitrator many times for filing reply. It is also averred that due to Covid-19 pandemic the proceedings could not be effectively undertaken by the Arbitrator for considerable period of time. The Arbitrator ultimately vide order dated 13.3.2023 kept the 1 Whether reporters of Local Papers may be allowed to see the judgment? -2- proceedings in abeyance on the ground that his mandate had expired in terms of the provisions of Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996. 3. Reply has been filed on behalf of respondent No.1. Factual aspect could be denied by the respondents. Evidently, a lot of time elapsed and was wasted due to the condition prevalent consequent to Covid-19 Pandemic. It also appears that due to said reason a huge pendency of arbitration cases got accumulated before the Arbitrator. In such circumstances, none of the parties or Arbitrator can be faulted for the delay caused in final adjudication of the matter. 4. Keeping in view the peculiar facts and circumstances of the case, the instant petition is allowed and the mandate of the learned Arbitrator to conclude the proceedings is extended by six months from the date of passing of this order. Since, the proceedings in the arbitration have been delayed considerably, it will be open for NHAI to agitate its rights in respect of payment of interest during the pendency of arbitral proceedings before the Arbitrator. Petition stands disposed of accordingly. (Satyen Vaidya) 24th June, 2025 Judge (kck)