Arbitrator’s Administrative Engagements Constitute Sufficient Cause For Extension Under Section 29A: Himachal Pradesh High Court

Sanjeev Kumar v. Union of India and Ors. | Arb. Case No. 62 of 2026 | High Court of Himachal Pradesh |April 17, 2026

The Himachal Pradesh High Court has held that the administrative preoccupations of an arbitrator who simultaneously holds a senior government office constitute sufficient cause for extending the time limit for passing an arbitral award under Section 29A of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996. Justice Virender Singh extended the mandate of the Divisional Commissioner acting as Arbitrator and directed that the award be passed by July 27, 2026.

Background

The applicant, Sanjeev Kumar, is co-owner of a parcel of land measuring 00-15-50 Hectares in Tehsil Nadaun, District Hamirpur, Himachal Pradesh. The land was acquired by the respondents for widening and four-laning of National Highway No. 88. An award was passed on October 31, 2022 bearing Award No. 17 of 2022 by the competent authority. The applicant, aggrieved by the award and alleging that it was passed