OMPM/317/2026 of THE HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATOR AND PROJECT DIRECTOR PIU MANDI Vs HARFU AND ORS on 1 September 2026

The Highway Adm. & Project Director vs. Harfu & another OMP(M) No. 317 of 2026 01.09.2026 Present: Mr. Santosh Kumar, Advocate, vice counsel, for the applicant. Mr. Baldev Singh, Additional Advocate General for respondents No. 2 & 3. OMP(M) No. 317 of 2026 The present application has been filed for condonation of delay in filing the present appeal. It is averred in the application that the certified copy of the judgment dated 05.11.2024 was applied on 04.12.2024, and the same was delivered on 31.12.2024. Thereafter, the High Court was closed due to the vacations from 10.01.2025 to 24.02.2025. The counsel for the appellant submitted the certified copy of the impugned judgment dated 05.11.2024 in the Registry of this Court. Immediately, prompt action was taken to obtain the entire case file, and the present appeal was filed immediately. The applicant/appellant has further submitted that the delay in filing the present application is neither intentional nor deliberate, but has occurred on account of bona fide reasons, as stated in the application. On 04.08.2026, notice was issued for the service of respondent No.1 but despite service none has put in appearance on his behalf, hence he is proceeded against ex-parte. The learned counsel for the appearing non- applicants have no objection, in case the present application is allowed. In view of the averments as made in the application, which is duly supported by an affidavit and keeping in view the fact that the learned counsel for the non-applicants have no objection, the present application is allowed, and the delay in filing the appeal is condoned. Application stands disposed off. Arb. Appeal No.____/2026 (ARBA/57443/2024) Appeal be registered. Heard. Admit. Issue post admission notice to respondent No.1 returnable within four weeks, on taking steps within three days. In the meantime, record be requisitioned. OMP No. _____of 2026 (OMPST 3281/25) 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 18.10.2023, passed by learned Arbitrator and judgment dated 05.11.2024, passed by learned District Judge, Mandi, H.P. in CIS Registration No. 257 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 1, 2026 (Nisha)