IN THE HIGH COURT OF HIMACHAL PRADESH, SHIMLA. Arbitration Case No. 164 of 2025 Date of decision: 08.05.2026 Kedar Rai …Petitioner Versus State of H. P. & Ors. …Respondents Coram The Hon’ble Mr. Justice G. S. Sandhawalia, Chief Justice. Whether approved for reporting? For the Petitioner : Mr. Narender Sharma, Advocate. For the Respondents: Mr. Navlesh Verma, Additional Advocate General. G. S. Sandhawalia , Chief Justice (Oral) In view of the objection taken by the State that initially in the first round of litigation, the Arbitrator was appointed, who passed the award dated 23.08.2021, which was set aside on 04.07.2024 in Arbitration Case No. 77 of 2022, counsel is not in a position to press the application for appointment of fresh Arbitrator. He, however, submits that as per the reply filed before the sole Arbitrator, a plea had been taken by the State that price escalation was admitted upto Rs. 4,48,359/- and also the final bill of Rs. 5,90,375/- had been approved and the payment of the bill could not be made due to want of funds from the Deputy Commissioner, Kullu. It is submitted that liberty be given to agitate for the said amount in appropriate proceedings. 2 2. Accordingly, the present petition is dismissed as not pressed with liberty as aforesaid. Pending applications, if any, also stand disposed of. (G. S. Sandhawalia) Chief Justice 8th May, 2026(sanjeev)