NHAI vs. Shiv Ram OMP(M) No. 69 of 2026 14.05.2026 Present: Mr. Sumeet Raj Sharma, Advocate, for the appellants. None for respondent. OMP(M) No. 69 of 2026 Despite being duly served none has put in appearance on behalf of the respondent, hence, he is proceeded ex-parte. The present application has been filed for condonation of delay in the filing the present appeal. As per the averments made therein, it is stated that the applicant had engaged M/s Kini Law Firm for the purpose of challenging the arbitral award before the learned District Judge, Mandi, H.P. It is further averred that the aforesaid firm opined the applicant that an appeal shall be preferred against the impugned judgment dated 01.07.2024, and the applicant acquired knowledge of passing of the said impugned judgment only thereafter. The certified copy of the impugned judgment dated 01.07.2024, was applied on 03.12.2024 and delivered on 21.12.2024. It is contended by learned counsel for the applicant that there are more than 100 cases and the said cases were being dealt with by the said law firm. Immediately, thereafter, necessary steps were taken by the office of the applicant to file the present appeal. The applicant has further submitted that the delay in filing the present appeal is neither intentional nor deliberate, but has occurred on account of bona fide reasons, as stated in the application. In view of the averments 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 off. Arb. Appeal No.____/2026 (ARBAST No. 68467/2025) Appeal be registered. Heard. Admit. Issue post admission notice to the respondent returnable within four weeks, on taking steps within three days. Record be requisitioned. OMP No. _____of 2026 (OMPST 68473/25) Application 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 14.07.2022, passed by Arbitrator and judgment dated 01.07.2024, passed by learned District Judge, Mandi, H.P. in CIS Registration No. 75 of 2023, shall remain stayed during the pendency of appeal. Needful be done within eight weeks from today. Application stands disposed off. (Romesh Verma) Judge May 14, 2026 (Nisha)