KIRPAL SINGH Vs. GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Leave granted.

(2.) These appeals arise from the judgment and order passed by the High Court of Punjab & Haryana at Chandigarh dtd. 19/10/2019 in FAO Nos. 800/2013, 7453, 7454, 8136/2014, 1278, 1290, 2000 and 2887/2015. The short question that arises for consideration is whether the period commencing from 20/10/2011 to 20/1/2012 should be condoned under Sec. 14 of the Limitation Act while reckoning the period of limitation for filing objections under Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996 [Hereinafter referred to as "the Arbitration Act"] incorporated in the National Highways Act, 1956 [Hereinafter referred to as "the NH Act"].

(3.) The facts relevant for our decision are that the land belonging to the appellant was acquired under the NH Act leading to passing of an award dtd. 25/7/2011. Application for a certified copy of the award was made on 12/8/2011 and the same was received on 8/9/2011. Thereafter, a Regular First Appeal was filed before the High Court on 20/10/2011 on an erroneous understanding.