( 2025:HHC:3763 ) IN THE HIGH COURT OF HIMACHAL PRADESH, SHIMLA. Arbitration Case No.26 of 2025 Decided on: 28th February, 2025 Rameshwar Dass Sharma .......Petitioner Versus The Divisional Commissioner-cum- Arbitrator, Shimla and others ...Respondents Coram The Hon’ble Mr. Justice Tarlok Singh Chauhan, Judge. Whether approved for reporting?1 For the petitioner: Mr. Rajiv Chauhan, Advocate. For the respondents: Ms. Sharmila Patial, Addl. A.G for respondents No.1 and 4. Ms. Sneh Bhimta, Advocate for respondent No.2. Mr. Rajinder Thakur, Central Government Counsel for respondent No.3. Tarlok Singh Chauhan, Judge (Oral) Notice. Ms. Sharmila Patial, learned Additional Advocate General, Ms. Sneh Bhimta and Mr. Rajinder Thakur, Central Government Counsel, appear and waive service of notice on behalf of respondent Nos. 1 to 4, respectively. 1 Whether the reporters of Local Papers may be allowed to see the judgment? Yes. ( 2025:HHC:3763 ) 2 2. The instant petition has been filed under Section 29-A (4) and (5) 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 his 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 Arbitration Reference Case No. 23 of 2017, in case titled as Rameshwar Dass vs. National Highway Authority and others, pending before the learned Divisional Commissioner-cum-Arbitrator, Shimla, District Shimla, H.P. 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 31.08.2025. February 28, 2025 ( Tarlok Singh Chauhan ) (naveen) Judge