National Highways Authority of India v. The Competent Authority and Special District Revenue Officer (La)

ORDER (Order of the Court was made by P.Velmurugan J.) This Miscellaneous Petition has been filed to condone the delay of 741 days in filing the Arbitration Appeal as against the AR.OP.No.2 of 2017, dated

21.12.2022, on the file of the Principal District Judge, Nagapattinam.

¶2The learned counsel for the petitioner submitted that though the petitioner is the appropriate body, they were not a party to the arbitration proceedings. The petitioner only came to know about the award passed by the Arbitrator after the private respondent filed the Execution Petition (E.P.). Hence, the present appeal has has been filed challenging the award. Since the petitioner was not a party to the arbitration proceedings, the delay occurred in filing the appeal.

¶3The learned counsel for the private respondent vehemently objected for the condonation of delay.

¶4However, a reading of the counter filed filed by the private respondent mentions only the merits of the award. Though the learned counsel for the private respondent submitted that the petitioner was also a party to the proceedings, a perusal of the records shows that the petitioner was not a party to the earlier proceedings. Further, this Court is satisfied with the reasons stated in the affidavit filed in support of this petition.

¶5Therefore, the delay is condoned. (P.V.,J.) (K.G.T.,J.) 10-07-2026 Index: Yes/No Speaking/Non-speaking order KSA-2 Note: Registry is directed to number the Appeal, if the papers are otherwise in order. Page3 of 4 To

¶1The Competent Authority and Special District Revenue Officer (LA) National Highways 67, Tiruvarur

¶2The District Collector Collectorate, Nagapattinam

¶3D. Geetha W/o. Dr. P. Sampathkumar, No.66, Hospital Road, Velipalayam, Nagapattinam Page4 of 4

P.VELMURUGAN, J. AND

K.GOVINDARAJAN THILAKAVADI, J. KSA-2 CMP No. 32063 of 2025 in Arb. Appeal SR.No.139416 of 2025 10-07-2026

Page1 of 4 IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS DATED: 10-07-2026 CORAM THE HON'BLE MR JUSTICE P. VELMURUGAN AND THE HON'BLE MRS.JUSTICE K. GOVINDARAJAN THILAKAVADI CMP No. 32063 of 2025 in Arb. Appeal SR.No.139416 of 2025 National Highways Authority of India Rep. by its Project Director, Project Implementation Unit (PIU) – Thanjavur, 54, Natarajapuram North Colony, Medical College Road, Thanjavur 613 004 ..Petitioner(s) Vs 1. The Competent Authority and Special District Revenue Officer (LA), National Highways 67, Tiruvarur 2. The District Collector Collectorate, Nagapattinam 3. D. Geetha W/o. Dr. P. Sampathkumar, No.66, Hospital Road, Velipalayam, Nagapattinam ..Respondent(s) To condone the delay of 741 days in filing the ARB Appeal as against the AR.OP.No.2 of 2017, on the file of the Principal District Judge, Nagapattinam. For Petitioner(s): Mrs.Sumathy SR For Respondent(s): Mr. S.Saravanan for R3 Mr. M. Hemanth Kumar, Govt. Counsel for R1 and R2 Page2 of 4