1 2025:HHC:2301 IN THE HIGH COURT OF HIMACHAL PRADESH, SHIMLA. Arb. Case No. 960 of 2024 Date of decision: 10.01.2025 Neelam Kumari …Petitioner Versus Union of India & Ors. …Respondents Coram The Hon’ble Mr. Justice Tarlok Singh Chauhan, Judge. Whether approved for reporting? No. For the Petitioner: Mr. Vipin Pandit, Advocate. For the Respondents: Mr. Balram Sharma, Dy. SGI with Mr. Rajeev Sharma, Advocate, for respondent No. 1. Mr. K. D. Shreedhar, Sr. Advocate with Ms. Shreya Chauhan, Advocate, for respondent No. 2. Mr. Anup Rattan, A.G. with Mr. Navlesh Verma, Ms. Sharmila Patial, Addl. A.Gs. and Mr. Sidharth Jalta, Dy. A.G., No. 3. Tarlok Singh Chauhan, Judge (Oral) Notice. Mr. Balram Sharma, learned Deputy Solicitor General of India, Ms. Shreya Chauhan, learned Advocate and Mr. Navlesh Verma, learned Additional Advocate General, appear and waive service of notice on behalf of the respective respondents. 2 2025:HHC:2301 2. The instant petition has been filed under Section 29(4) of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996, for extension of time of the mandate of the Arbitrator. 3. From the averments made in the petition, I am fully satisfied that the petitioner has been pursuing her case honestly, diligently and sincerely by taking all necessary and requisite steps for the progress of the case and has not sought any un-necessary adjournments. 4. Therefore, in the given facts and circumstances, the petition for extension of time deserves to be allowed. 5. Accordingly, the petition is allowed and the time limit for completing the arbitration proceedings in Reference Petition No. 5 of 2018, titled as Neelam Kumari vs. NHAI & Ors., pending before the learned Arbitrator under National Highways Authority of India-cum-Divisional Commissioner, Shimla, is extended by a period of six months and the Arbitrator shall now ensure that the proceedings are completed by passing an award by or before 11.07.2025. (Tarlok Singh Chauhan) Judge 10.01.2025 (sanjeev)