$~66 
* IN  THE  HIGH  COURT  OF  DELHI  AT  NEW  DELHI 
# CNR No. DLHC010431752026 
+  O.M.P.(MISC.)(COMM.) 719/2026 & I.A. 24978/2026 
 RAJENDRA KUMAR PANPALIA & ANR          .....Petitioners 
    Through: Mr. Devansh Shekhar, Adv. 
    versus 
 PRASHANT HARIT & ORS.        .....Respondents 
    Through: Ms. Koyali Agarwal, Adv. 
Mr. Shubham Kathuria, Adv. for R-3 and 4 
 CORAM: 
 HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE OM PRAKASH SHUKLA 
    ORDER(ORAL) 
%         14.09.2026 
1. The present petition has been filed under Section 29A(5) of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 19961 seeking further extension of the mandate of the learned Sole Arbitrator, Sh. Amar Nath, District & Sessions Judge (Retd.), for a further period of twelve months. 


1 “Act” hereinafter 
 
2. The learned Sole Arbitrator was appointed by this Court vide order dated 22.09.2022 to adjudicate the disputes arising between the parties under the agreement dated 10.01.2018. The learned Arbitrator entered upon reference on 10.10.2022. 


 
3. The pleadings were completed on 16.02.2024 and, thereafter, the mandate was extended by mutual consent of the parties for a further period of six months. This Court, vide order dated 21.08.2025, further extended the mandate for a period of twelve months from 14.08.2025. 


 
4. It is borne out from the record that substantial progress has been made in the arbitral proceedings during the aforesaid period. The evidence on behalf of the Petitioners was concluded on 11.05.2026, and the evidence on behalf of the Respondents is presently underway. 


 
5. Having regard to the stage of the arbitral proceedings, this Court is of the view that sufficient cause has been made out for further extension of the mandate. 


 
6. Further, the parties are ad idem with respect to the extension of the mandate of the learned Sole Arbitrator for a further period of twelve months. 


 
7. Accordingly, the present petition is allowed. The mandate of the learned Sole Arbitrator is extended for a further period of twelve months w.e.f. 14.08.2026. The period from 15.08.2026 till today shall also stand regularised. 


 
8. The learned Sole Arbitrator is requested to make all endeavours to conclude the arbitral proceedings within the aforesaid extended period. 


 
9. The present petition stands disposed of in the aforesaid terms.  


 
 
OM PRAKASH SHUKLA, J 
SEPTEMBER 14, 2026/ss