Hindustan Construction Company Limited v. Indian Strategic Petroleum Reserves Limited

1. The present petition under Section 29 A (4) of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996 has been filed seeking extension of mandate of the publishing of arbitral tribunal till 31.03.2022.

2. Learned counsel for the petitioner has submitted that the Award could not be pronounced in the prescribed time due to Covid pandemic, which was beyond the control of parties and the arbitral tribunal.

3. Notice issued.

4. Mr. Naveen Raheja, learned counsel appearing on behalf of 2022:DHC:723 O.M.P.(MISC.)(COMM.) 34/2022 respondent, accepts notice and supports the prayer made in this petition.

5. It is a matter of fact that three extensions have already been granted, however, till date, award has not been published.

6. In view of the above, the time for preparing and pronouncing and publishing the Award by the Arbitral Tribunal is extended upto 31.03.2022.

7. This Court expects from the learned Tribunal that the award may be published on or before 31.03.2022.

8. With aforesaid, the present petition is accordingly disposed of.

JUDGE FEBRUARY 24, 2022 ab