IN THE SUPREME COURT OF INDIA
CIVIL APPELLATE JURISDICTION
CIVIL APPEAL NO. OF 2025 (arising out of SLP(C) No. 2109/2025)
NATIONAL HIGHWAY AUTHORITY OF INDIA ..... APPELLANT(S)
VERSUS
BHANU PRATAP SINGH & ORS. ..... RESPONDENT(S)
O R D E R
Leave granted.
The appellant, National Highway Authority of India, is
aggrieved by the judgment and final order dated 17.09.2024 passed
by a learned Judge of the High Court of Judicature at Allahabad,
refusing to condone the delay of 24 days in the presentation of the
appeal by the appellant under Section 37 of the Arbitration and
Conciliation Act, 19961.
In the light of the judgment of this Court in Government Of
Maharashtra (Water Resources Department) represented by Executive
Engineer vs. M/s. Borse Brothers Engineers & Contractors Pvt.
Ltd.2, the delay of 24 days can hardly be said to be exorbitant or
inordinate, warranting the rejection of the appellant’s appeal at
the threshold.
This appeal is, accordingly, allowed, setting aside the
impugned judgment/order passed by the High Court and condoning the
1 “1996 Act”, for short 2 (2021) 6 SCC 460
1
delay of 24 days in the presentation of the appeal under Section 37
of the 1996 Act. The appeal shall stand restored on the file of
the High Court. It shall be duly numbered and considered on merits
and in accordance with law expeditiously.
Pending application(s), if any, shall stand disposed of.