Surinder Pal vs. LAO (SLAU)-cum-Competent Authority OMP (M) No. 215/2026 19.6.2026 Present: Mr. Gaurav Bhardwaj, Advocate, for the appellant/applicant. Mr. Baldev Singh Negi, Addl. A.G. for for respondent No.1. Ms. Shreya Chauhan, Advocate, for respondent No.2. OMP (M) No. 215/2026 The present application has been filed for condonation of delay in filing the present appeal. It has been averred in the application that certified copy of the judgment, dated 11.06.2025 was received by the applicant on 08.07.2025. After receiving copy of the impugned judgment, the applicant was constrained and unable to travel to Shimla to consult and engage an Advocate for drafting and filing the appeal due to heavy monsoon season from July to October, 2025. It has been further averred that during the said heavy monsoon period, the applicant’s house, which was under construction, was severally affected by heavy rains and got flooded, causing significant damage and requiring immediate attention for repairs and salvage. After the monsoon subsided, the applicant contacted an Advocate at Shimla in mid-December 2025 to discuss the matter and provide instructions for filing the appeal. In the meanwhile, certified copy of the judgment got misplaced. Despite due diligence, the same could only be recovered in the first week of January, 2026. Upon retrieval of the aforesaid certified copy, after due diligence, prompt action was taken for preparation of the appeal. Thus, the aforesaid delay is neither intentional nor deliberate, but has occurred due to unavoidable circumstances, which were beyond the control of the applicant. Learned counsel for the non- applicants/respondents have stated that they have no objection if the present application is allowed. In view of the averments as made in the application, which is duly supported by an affidavit, and in view of the submissions made by learned counsel for the applicant, the present application is allowed and the delay in filing the appeal is condoned. Application stands disposed of. Arb. A. No. 2026 Appeal be registered. Notice. Mr. Baldev Singh Negi, learned Additional Advocate General and Ms. Shreya Chauhan, Advocate appear and waive service of notice on behalf of the respective respondents. Admit. Send for the records. List in due course. (Romesh Verma) Judge 19.6.2026 (pankaj)