Suni Haribahupote v. Special Land Acquisition Officer
Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996 – Section 29A – extension of mandate of arbitrator
Case brief
What is this about?
High Court of Karnataka at Bengaluru, order dated 14 January 2026 by S Sunil Dutt Yadav, J., in WP No. 37845 of 2025 (LA-RES). Petitioner sought extension of the expired mandate of the arbitrator (Deputy Commissioner and Arbitrator, NHAI, Chitradurga) under Section 29A of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996 in Case No. ARB.NH.13.CR.162.2021, citing bona fide reasons. Relying on the Apex Court's observation in Chief Engineer (NH) PWD (Roads) vs. M/s BSC & C and C JV, SLP(C).No.10544/2024, the Court held that extension of mandate under Section 29A(6) lies with the Principal Civil Court of original jurisdiction in the district, as the High Court has no original civil jurisdiction. Petition disposed of with liberty to approach the competent Court; application filed within one week to be endeavoured to be disposed of within one month; all contentions kept open. Keywords: Section 29A, extension of mandate, arbitrator, jurisdiction, NHAI, land acquisition arbitration, writ petition, Articles 226 and 227.