NHAI vs. Sumitra OMP(M) No. 266 of 2025 09.09.2025 Present: Ms. Sneh Bhimta, Advocate, vice counsel for the applicant. Ms. Manisha Thampta, Advocate, for the respondent. Learned counsel for the respondent, on instructions, submits that the respondent has no objection in case the delay in filing the appeal is condoned. This application has been filed seeking condonation of delay of 254 days in filing the appeal under Section 37 of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996. It is averred that the delay has occurred on account of alleged acts of non-cooperation by the counsel earlier engaged by the NHAI. There is nothing on record to disbelieve the averments made in the application. Thus, I am satisfied that the delay in filing the appeal has sufficiently been explained for the reasons, which appear to be bonafide. Accordingly, the application is allowed. The delay in filing the appeal is condoned. The application stands disposed of. Arb. Appeal No. /2025 Be registered. Admit. OMP No. /2025 Be registered. Notice in the aforesaid terms. In the meanwhile, operation of impugned judgment dated 02.09.2024, passed by the learned District Judge, Mandi in Arbitration Case No. 275 of 2023, shall remain stayed, subject to appellant depositing the entire awarded amount along with upto date interest in the Registry of this Court within eight weeks. (Satyen Vaidya) Judge 9th September, 2025 (kck)