JUDGMENT

KAILASAM, J.:—At the conclusion of the hearing of the appeal on November, 7, 1977 we had passed the operative part of the order stating that a reasoned judgment would follow. We now proceed to give the reasons.

2. This appeal is by special leave against the judgment and order dated 7th February, 1977 in Suit No. 574-A of 1976 by a single Judge of the High Court of Delhi whereby he dismissed the appellants petition for condonation of delay in filing the objection for setting aside the arbitration award given by respondents 2 and 3.

3. A contract was entered into between the petitioner - Indian Statistical Institute - and the first respondent - Associated Builders in respect of the work for construction of Indian Statistical Institute Campus at Hauz Khas, New Delhi. The contract provided for arbitration for settling any dispute that may arise between the parties. A dispute arose and the matter was referred to respondents 2 and 3 who gave an award on 23rd July, 1976. On 6th August, 1976 the first respondent filed a petition under S. 14 of the Arbitration Act in Delhi High Court calling upon respondents 2 and 3 to submit the award and records of the arbitration proceedings to th