NHAI vs. Omkar Chand OMP(M) No. 23 of 2026 23.06.2026 Present: Ms. Shreya Chauhan, Advocate, for the applicant. Mr. Anirudh Sharma, Advocate, counsel for the respondent. The present application has been filed for condonation of delay of 273 days in filing the present appeal. It has been averred that the impugned judgment was passed by learned District Judge, Bilaspur on 17.03.2025. Learned counsel for the applicant had applied for certified copy of impugned judgment on 21.06.2025 and the same was delivered on 22.07.2025. However, the disposal of the case was not within the knowledge of the applicant as the same was never intimated to the applicant by its counsel. As per the applicant, earlier also, due to inefficiency and lackadaisical attitude of the law firm, namely, M/s M.V. Kini & Co, cases were withdrawn from it on 20.09.2023 and 26.03.2024. It is further submitted that the applicant was under bonafide belief that the instant case is pending before the learned District Judge, Bilaspur and on closing of the financial year, the applicant inquired from all the counsels/law firms about the pendency of all the cases pending in various forums throughout the State of H.P. and then it came to their knowledge that the objection petitions pertaining to Mohal Behlag have been disposed of. Thereafter, the applicant immediately contacted its counsel in order to procure the certified copy as well as record for preparation of the instant appeal. 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. Learned counsel for the non-applicant has no objection in case the application is allowed. 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 the delay in filing the appeal is condoned. Accordingly, the application stands disposed of. Arb. Appeal No._______/2026 Appeal be registered. Heard. Admit. Send for records. List for hearing in due course. Learned counsel for the appellant is directed to supply the copy of entire paper book to the learned counsel for the respondent. OMPST No. 68994 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 17.03.2025, as passed by learned District Judge, Bilaspur as well as arbitral award dated 26.07.2022, is ordered to be stayed during the pendency of appeal. Application stands disposed of. (Romesh Verma) Judge 23rd June, 2026 (kck)