NHAI vs. Sashi Pal & others OMP(M) No. 124 of 2026 29.09.2026 Present: Ms. Sneh Bhimta, Advocate, vice counsel, for the applicant. Mr. Gaurav Bhardwaj, Advocate, for respondents No. 1 to 9. Mr. Manish Thakur, Deputy Advocate General, for respondent No.10. OMP No. 124 of 2026 The instant application has been filed for condonation of delay in filing the present appeal. It has been contended in the application that the impugned judgment was passed by the learned District Judge, Mandi on 29th March, 2025. The certified copy of the judgment was applied by the learned counsel on 12th June, 2025, and the same was attested on 18th June, 2025 and delivered on 26th June, 2025. As per the applicant, the disposal of the case was not within the knowledge of the applicant as the same was not communicated by its counsel. Earlier also, due to the inefficiency and the lackadaisical attitude of the law firm/counsels, certain cases were withdrawn from the law firm, namely, M/s. M.V. Kini and Co vide letters dated 20th September, 2023 and 26th March, 2024. On closing of the financial year, the applicant inquired from all the law firms about the pendency of the cases, and it is only then it transpired that the objection petitions pertaining to Mohal Majhethal had been disposed of. Immediately, prompt action was taken for obtaining the relevant record for the filing of the present appeal. In this process, delay of about 176 days has occurred, which is neither intentional nor willful, but the same has occurred under the unavoidable circumstances. In view of the averments made in the application, which is duly supported by an affidavit, and in view of the submissions made by the learned counsel for the applicant, the instant application is allowed and the delay in filing the appeal is condoned. Application stands disposed of. Arb. Appeal No.____/2026 (ARBST No. 70362/2025) Appeal be registered. Heard. Admit. List for hearing in due course. In the meantime, record be requisitioned. The Registry is directed to reflect the name of Sh. Gaurav Bhardwaj, Advocate, for respondents No. 1 to 9, henceforth. OMP No. _____ of 2026 (OMPST No. 70695/2026) Be registered. Subject to deposit of entire awarded amount alongwith up-to-date interest by the applicant/appellant, execution, implementation and operation of impugned award dated 07.08.2023, passed by learned Arbitrator and judgment dated 29.03.2025, passed by learned District Judge, Mandi, H.P. in CIS Registration No. 49 of 2024, shall remain stayed during the pendency of appeal. Needful be done within eight weeks from today. Application stands disposed of. (Romesh Verma) Judge September 29, 2026 (Nisha)