NHAI vs. Raj Kumar & others OMP(M) No. 181 of 2026 04.08.2026 Present: Ms. Sneh Bhimta, Advocate, vice counsel for the applicant. Mr. Aradhya Sood, Advocate, for respondent No.1. Mr. Manish Thakur, DAG, for respondents No. 2 and 3. The present application has been filed for condonation of delay of 274 days in filing the present appeal. It has been averred that the impugned judgment was passed by learned District Judge, Mandi on 02.01.2025. Learned counsel for the applicant had applied for certified copy of impugned judgment on 14.01.2025 and the same was delivered on 24.02.2025. 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earlier also, due to inefficiency and lackadaisical attitude of the law firm, namely, M/s M.V. Kini & Co, cases were withdrawn from it on 20.09.2023. It is further submitted that the applicant was under bonafide belief that the instant case is pending before the learned District Judge, Mandi 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 came to know that objection petitions pertaining to Mohal Babeli Banogi have been disposed of. 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. Learned counsel for the applicant is directed to supply copy of entire paper book to the learned counsel for the respondents during the course of the day. OMPST No. 3975 of 2026 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 02.01.2025, as passed by learned District Judge, Mandi as well as arbitral award dated 17.11.2023, is ordered to be stayed during the pendency of appeal. Application stands disposed of. (Romesh Verma) Judge 4th August, 2026 (kck)