NHAI vs. RAmesh Kumar & another OMP(M) No. 97 of 2026 13.07.2026 Present: Ms. Sneh Bhimta, Advocate, vice counsel for the applicant. Mr. Rakesh Kumar, Advocate, for respondent No.1 Mr. Baldev Singh Negi, Addl. A.G., for respondent No. 2. The present application has been filed for condonation of delay of 171 days in filing the present appeal. It has been averred that the impugned judgment was passed by learned District Judge, Mandi on 07.03.2025. Learned counsel for the applicant had applied for certified copy of impugned judgment on 01.04.2025 and the same was delivered on 24.04.2025. It is contended by the learned counsel for the applicant that the legal opinion was sought for determining the future course of action and the said opinion was received by the Regional Office. Thereafter, the matter was examined at various levels for the purpose of filing the appeal and finally it was decided to challenge the award as passed by the learned District Judge, Mandi. 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-applicants have 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. The application stands disposed of. Arb. Appeal No._______/2026 Appeal be registered. Heard. Admit. Send for records. List for hearing in due course. OMPST No. 69017 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 06.03.2024, is ordered to be stayed during the pendency of appeal. Application stands disposed of. (Romesh Verma) Judge 13th July, 2026 (kck)