Rajesh Kumar v. Rajesh Kumar
Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996 – Section 29(4) – Extension of time for completion of arbitral proceedings
Case brief
What is this about?
Himachal Pradesh High Court, Shimla — Arbitration Case No. 109 of 2026, decided 19.05.2026 by Romesh Verma, J. (oral) — Petition under Section 29(4), Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996 by Rajesh Kumar versus Union of India & Ors., seeking extension of time for completion of arbitration in Arbitration Reference Case No. 354 of 2022 (compensation for land acquired in District Kangra for National Highway under Section 3, National Highways Act, 1956), pending before the Divisional Commissioner, Kangra at Dharamshala — Court found the proceedings were conducted in violation of the Act, held that the onus lies on the Arbitrator to complete the task within the statutorily prescribed time with bona fide, explainable delay, noted the Arbitrator had closed the proceedings after pleadings as the time limit had elapsed, and directed conclusion of the proceedings and passing of the award on or before 19th November, 2026; petition disposed of — Advocates: Sanjay Jaswal (petitioner); Nand Lal Thakur (respondents 1 and 3); Baldev Singh Negi, Additional Advocate General (respondent 2).