M/S. Chandragiri Construction Company, v. Mr.S.K.Prabakar, Ias., and 2 Others

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS DATED: 19.02.2026 CORAM : THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE R. SURESH KUMAR AND THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE D. BHARATHA CHAKRAVARTHY Sub.Appl.Nos.1405 and 1406 of 2025 in Cont.P.Nos.2125 and 2126 of 2016 M/s. Chandragiri Construction Company No.3/402 A, Karat Road, West Nadakavu Kozhikode – 673 001, Kerala Petitioner Rep. By its Partner, K.M.Moideen Kunhi .. in both Sub.Appls Vs.

¶1S.K.Prabakar Principal Secretary to the Government Public Works Department Chennai – 600 09.

¶2V.Shanmugam Chief Engineer, P.W.D. Chennai Region, W.R.D. Chennai – 600 005.

¶3K.R.Ramakrishnan Superintending Engineer P.W.D., W.R.D., Project Circle Respondents Vellore. .. in both Sub.Appls Prayer in Sub.Appl.(OS)No.1405 of 2025: Petition filed under Section 20 of the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971 r/w Section 151 of the Civil Procedure Code, to reopen the Sub-Application No.7 of 2023 which was closed on 01.02.2023 in Contempt Petition No.2126 of 2016 to extend the mandate of the sole arbitrator appointed by this Court for a further period of six months w.e.f 26.11.2025 onwards. Prayer in Sub.Appl.(OS)No.1406 of 2025: Petition filed under Section 20 of the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971 r/w Section 151 of the Civil Procedure Code, to reopen the Sub-Application No.6 of 2023 which was closed on 01.02.2023 in Contempt Petition No.2125 of 2016 to extend the mandate of the sole arbitrator appointed by this Court for a further period of six months w.e.f 26.11.2025 onwards. For the Petitioner : Mr.K.Premkumar For the Respondents : Mr.V.Manoharan Additional Government Pleader COMMON ORDER (Order of the Court was made by R.SURESH KUMAR, J.) These applications have been filed seeking extension of time for the Arbitrator, to complete arbitration and to pass an award, to at least a further period of six months.

¶2By the order dated 26.11.2024, the earlier Division Bench had granted one year extension to the Arbitrator from 26.11.2024, therefore, the said one year period is over by 25.11.2025. As on

09.10.2025, as recorded by the learned Arbitrator, both sides wanted to file written submission by 17.11.2025 and thereafter, if need arises, it would be posted for clarification at once and thereafter, an award would be passed.

¶3It is submitted by Mr.K.Premkumar, learned counsel for the petitioner that, both sides, as assured, have filed written submissions. When that being the position, if a further period of six months from the date of the earlier expiry of the mandate, that is from 26.11.2025, is granted, that would be suffice for the Arbitrator to complete the arbitration and to pass an award.

¶4In that view of the matter, these applications are ordered with the following directions:-

(i) That the mandate of the Arbitrator is further extended to a period of six months from 26.11.2025.

(ii) Within the extended period, it is expected that the arbitration proceedings would be completed and an award would be passed.

¶5With these directions, these applications are closed. No costs. (R.S.K., J.) (D.B.C., J.)

19.02.2026 Speaking Order/Non-Speaking Order Internet:Yes/No Index:Yes/No

(drm) To:

¶1S.K.Prabakar Principal Secretary to the Government Public Works Department Chennai – 600 09.

¶2V.Shanmugam Chief Engineer, P.W.D. Chennai Region, W.R.D. Chennai – 600 005.

¶3K.R.Ramakrishnan Superintending Engineer P.W.D., W.R.D., Project Circle

Vellore.

R. SURESH KUMAR, J. AND

D. BHARATHA CHAKRAVARTHY, J.

(drm)

19.02.2026