NHAI vs. Rajni & others OMP(M) No.371 of 2025 01.06.2026 Present: Mr. Sumeet Raj Sharma, Advocate, for the applicant. None for respondents No.1 to 4. Mr. B.S. Negi, Addl. A.G., for respondent No.5. OMP(M) No.371 of 2025 The present application has been filed for condonation of delay in filing the present appeal. Notice was issued in the aforesaid application on 06.10.2025. As per order as passed by Additional Registrar (Judicial) on 12.12.2025, respondents No.1 to 4 were duly served, but none had appeared on their behalf. Hence, they were proceeded against ex-parte. In the present application, it has been averred that the impugned judgment was passed by learned District Judge on 07.03.2025. The applicant had engaged M/s Kini Law Firm to challenge the arbitral award before the learned District Judge, Mandi. Thereafter, the engaged counsel vide its legal opinion decided to file the appeal against the impugned judgment and it is only then the applicant acquired the knowledge of passing of impugned judgment. The certified copy of impugned judgment was applied on 12.06.2025 and the same was delivered on 26.06.2026. Therefore, it has been prayed that the delay in filing the appeal is neither intentional nor willful, but the same has occurred due to unavoidable circumstances. Consequently, in view of the averments as made in the application, which is duly supported by an affidavit and in view of submissions as made by learned counsel for the applicant, the present application is allowed and delay in filing the appeal is condoned. Accordingly, the application stands disposed of. Arb. Appeal No._______ of 2026 Appeal be registered. Heard. Admit. Issue post admission notice to respondents No.1 to 4, returnable within four weeks, on taking steps within three days. List thereafter. OMPST No.45897 of 2025 Be registered. Heard Subject to deposit of entire awarded amount along with up-to-date interest by the appellant/applicant within a period of eight weeks from today, the operation, implementation and execution of impugned judgment dated 07.03.2025, as passed by learned District Judge, Mandi as well as arbitral award dated 07.08.2023 during the pendency of appeal is ordered to be stayed. Application stands disposed of. ( Romesh Verma ) Judge June 01, 2026 (vt)