Dev Raj Sharma & Others vs Special Land Acquisition Officer & Another

Satyen Vaidya, J

By way of this application, a prayer has been made to extend the time for completion of arbitration proceedings pending before learned Divisional Commissioner, Mandi, in Case No. 1054 of 2017, titled Dev Raj Sharma & others vs. The Collector Land Acquisition Officer (SLAO)-cum-Competent Authority & another.

It is submitted in the application that though the proceedings were started by learned Divisional Commissioner, Mandi, in the year 2016 and the evidence etc., was recorded but due to COVID pandemic conditions, the delay in further proceedings of the case was caused. As a result of aforesaid exigency, the docket of learned Divisional Commissioner, Mandi, is clogged with similar matters which are pending before such authority. On such grounds extension of time is sought.

The respondents though have filed reply, but there is no opposition to the prayer made in the application. The application is duly supported by an affidavit. The record of the proceedings held by Divisional Commissioner, Mandi, has also been placed on record. From perusal of the reasons stated in the application as also the record of the learned Divisional Commissioner, Mandi, I am satisfied that the delay in completion of proceedings is neither intentional nor willful, but is on account of reasons which were beyond the control of the learned Arbitrator as also the parties concerned.

In view of this, the application is allowed. The time for completion of arbitration proceedings by learned Divisional Commissioner, Mandi, in Case No. 1054 OF 2017, titled Dev Raj Sharma & others vs. The Special Land Acquisition Officer (SLAO)-cum-Competent Authority & another is extended by six months to be reckoned from today. The petition is accordingly disposed of.