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Hampi Expressways Private Limited vs. National Highways Authority of India

Original Miscellaneous Petition (Miscellaneous, Commercial) · 2026:DHC:7996Decided 16 Sept 2026New Delhi Bench
O.M.P.(MISC.)(COMM.) 729/2026CNR: DLHC010437702026
Justice Sachin Datta

Background

In an ongoing arbitration between a highway developer and NHAI, being heard by a tribunal of three former senior judges, both sides jointly told the Court that evidence was still being presented and that more time was needed to complete the case and deliver an award.

Decision Breakdown

Given the parties' joint request and the nature of the matter, the Court extended the time available for the arbitral tribunal to complete proceedings and render its award until 30 September 2027.

Lesson Learnt

India's arbitration law imposes time limits on arbitrators to keep cases moving, but courts will extend these deadlines where both parties agree that more time is genuinely needed for a complex dispute, rather than forcing a premature award.

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