JUDGMENT :

Prathiba M. Singh, J.

1. This hearing has been done through video conferencing.

2. The present petition challenges the impugned order dated 22nd January, 2021 by which the petition under Section 34 of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996, filed by the Petitioner-Department, has been dismissed as being barred by limitation.

3. A tender bearing No. 2013-DHS-44853 was floated by the Petitioner on 13th September, 2013 for housekeeping services. The Respondent had participated in the said tender and was awarded the contract on 23rd May, 2014. The detailed agreement was executed between the parties on 21st May, 2014. The payment had to be made for the period commencing from 1st June, 2014 to 31st May, 2016 @ Rs.51,418.50/- per month plus service tax.

4. Disputes arose between the parties. It is the case of the Respondent that there was a delay in making payments and various other claims were also raised. The sole arbitrator appointed in the matter passed the arbitral award on 25th January, 2019. The operative portion of the said award reads as under:-

“CONCLUSION:-

1. Claimant is awarded a sum of Rs. 8.49362.72p along with interest at the rate of 12% per annum from the date whe