M/S GR Infraprojects Limited vs National Highways Authority Of India

The present petition has been filed under Section 29A(4) read with Section 29A(5) of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996^{11.O.M.P.(MISC.)(COMM.) 633/2026 Page 43 of 3} seeking further extension of the mandate of the learned Arbitral Tribunal comprising Hon’ble Mr. Justice G.S. Sistani, Former Judge of this Court, presiding Arbitrator and learned Co-Arbitrators Mr. Nand Lal Singh and Mr. Praveen Garg by a period of four months.

The disputes between the parties arise out of Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) Agreement dated 09.09.2015.

Learned Counsel for the Petitioner submits that the proceedings have substantially progressed and that the rejoinder arguments on behalf of the Claimant were concluded on 09.04.2026. The matter is presently reserved for award.

It is further submitted that having regard to the complexity of the dispute, voluminous record, the technical issues involved and the exclusive submissions made by the parties, the learned Arbitral Tribunal requires a further period to render the award.

It is also submitted that the learned Presiding Arbitrator vide email dated 10.08.2026 has advised the parties to seek an appropriate extension of the mandate from this Court.

Learned Counsel appearing for the respective parties are ad idem that the mandate can be extended.

This Court is empowered under Section 29A(5) of the Act to extend the mandate of the Arbitral Tribunal upon sufficient cause being shown.

Having regard to the stage of arbitral proceedings, the fact that the matter is presently reserved for award, the intervening change in the constitution of the arbitral tribunal pursuant to the recusal of the erstwhile presiding arbitrator, the extensions already granted, and the joint request of the parties, this Court is satisfied that sufficient cause has been made out for further extension of the mandate of the learned arbitral tribunal.

Accordingly, the mandate of the learned Arbitral Tribunal is extended by a further period of four months with effect from 13.08.2026 to 12.12.2026 for conclusion of the arbitral proceedings and rendering of the award. The period till today shall also stand regularized.

The learned Sole Arbitrator shall endeavour to conclude the proceedings and render the award within the extended period.

The petition is disposed of in the above terms.