NHAI vs. Mansha Ram through his LR-Babu Ram OMP(M) No. 414 of 2025 27.07.2026 Present: Mr. Sumeet Raj Sharma, Senior Advocate with Mr. Santosh Kumar, Advocate, for the applicant- appellant. OMP(M) No. 414 of 2025 The instant application has been filed for condonation of delay in filing the appeal. It has been averred in the application that the impugned judgment was passed by the learned District Judge on 02.12.2024. It has been stated that the applicant had engaged M/s Kini Law Firm to challenge the impugned judgment passed by the learned District Judge. Thereafter, the engaged counsel, vide its legal opinion dated 18.06.2025, opined to the applicant that an appeal should be filed against the impugned judgment. It is only thereafter that the applicant acquired knowledge of the passing of the impugned judgment dated 02.12.2024. Thereafter, the applicant applied for the certified copy of the impugned judgment dated 02.12.2024, and the same was delivered on 07.05.2025. Thereafter, prompt action was taken to obtain the entire case file, and the present appeal was filed immediately. The applicant/appellant has further submitted that the delay in filing the appeal is neither intentional nor deliberate, but has occurred on account of bona fide reasons, as stated in the application. The non-applicant was duly served pursuant to the notice issued by this Court on 14.10.2025. However, none has put in appearance on his behalf. Hence, the respondent is proceeded against ex-parte. In view of the averments made in the application, which is duly supported by an affidavit, and in view of the submissions made by the learned counsel for the applicant, the present application is allowed and the delay in filing the appeal is condoned. The application stands disposed of. Arb. Appeal No.____/2026 (ARBAST No. 42928/2025) Appeal be registered. Heard. Admit. Issue post admission notice to the respondent, returnable within four weeks, on taking steps within three days. In the meantime, record be requisitioned. OMP No. _____of 2026 (OMPST 45797/25) Application be registered. Subject to deposit of entire awarded amount alongwith up-to-date interest by the applicant/appellant, execution, implementation and operation of impugned award dated 15.02.2023, passed by learned Arbitrator and judgment dated 02.12.2024, passed by learned District Judge, Mandi, H.P. in CIS Registration No. 485 of 2024, shall remain stayed during the pendency of appeal. Needful be done within eight weeks from today. Application stands disposed off. (Romesh Verma) Judge July 27, 2026 (Nisha)