Jawhar Jishtu Govt. Contractor vs Engineer-In-Chief, JSV And Others

Romesh Verma, J

The present petition has been filed under Section 29(4) of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996, seeking extension of time to conclude the arbitration proceedings in Claim Petition No. 804 of 2024 pertaining to Agreement No. 18 of 2019-20, Ani Division, Jal Shakti Vibhag, titled Jawahar Jishtu vs. Engineer-in-Chief, JSV & Others, pending adjudication before the learned Arbitrator, Sh. Jatinder Singh Bhogal, Senior Advocate.

It has been averred in the petition that the claimant/petitioner participated in the tender, and pursuant to the negotiations, the work was awarded by the Executive Engineer, J.S.V. Division, Anni, on 22.07.2019.

The claimant/petitioner, on account of the dispute that arose between the parties, was constrained to file an arbitration case before this Court for appointment of an arbitrator. This Court, vide order dated 10.04.2024, appointed Sh. Jatinder Singh Bhogal, Senior Advocate, as the sole Arbitrator to resolve the disputes between the parties.

As per Section 29A(1) of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996, the award has to be passed within 12 months from the date of completion of pleadings, however, the said period of 12 months expired, and thereafter the parties continued to participate in the proceedings for a further period of six months, as provided under Section 29A(3) of the Act.

Learned counsel for the claimant/petitioner has drawn the attention of this Court to the order passed by the learned Arbitrator on 22.04.2026, whereby it has been reflected that arguments in the matter were heard on 08.04.2026 and the award has been reserved. The petitioner has prayed for extension of time for completing the arbitration proceedings in Claim Petition No. 804 of 2024 pertaining to Agreement No. 18 of 2019-20, Anni Division, Jal Shakti Vibhag, titled Jawahar Jishtu vs. Engineer-in-Chief, JSV & Others, pending before the learned Arbitrator, Mr. Jatinder Singh Bhogal, learned Senior Counsel.

Learned Additional Advocate General has no objection in case present petition is allowed.

Consequently, petition stands disposed of. Time for completing the arbitration proceedings is extended and it is directed that the proceedings be completed within a period of three months from today. Pending application(s), if any, also stand disposed of.