Mahadu Laxman Sonwane v. National Highways Authority of India through Its Project Director and Another

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Neutral citation 2026:BHC-AUG:9523. High Court of Judicature at Bombay, Bench at Aurangabad; Coram: Arun R. Pedneker, J. (Per Court); dated 07.03.2026. Lead matter: Civil Application No. 7045 of 2025 in ARBA/4/2021, with Civil Application Nos. 7048, 7043, 7046, 7049, 7050, 7052, 7053 of 2025 and 11556, 11557, 11559, 11560, 11562, 11563, 11565, 11566 of 2024 in ARBA/4 to 13 of 2021. Applicant: Babulal Bhaurao Mali (Adv. Mukul S. Kulkarni); Respondents: National Highways Authority of India through its Project Director and another (Adv. D. P. Madkar h/f. D. S. Manorkar). Subject: withdrawal of 50% of outstanding amount deposited pursuant to Section 37 Arbitration Appeals against enhancement of National Highway land-acquisition compensation (CALA award Rs.1990/- per sq.m.; Arbitrator enhancement Rs.2910/- per sq.m.; Section 34 application dismissed; deposits Rs.82,000/- to Rs.2,30,000/-). Outcome: withdrawal of entire 50% deposit with accrued interest permitted on undertaking to refund within four weeks if appeals succeed; six named civil applications allowed and disposed of. Keywords: Arbitration and Conciliation Act 1996 Sections 34 and 37; land acquisition compensation; NHAI; interim release of deposit; undertaking to remit back.