ORDER

Chandra Dhari Singh, J. (Oral)

I.A. 3337/2023

1. The main Petition has been filed against the arbitral award dated 04.12.2019 passed by the Ld. Sole Arbitrator which was corrected vide Order dated 04.01.2020. Vide the said arbitral award, the Sole Arbitrator awarded a total sum of Rs. 1,40,32,569/- towards the claims to the Respondent.

2. The instant Application has been filed by the Petitioner praying for condonation of the delay of 589 days and to hear the matter on its own merits and treat the present Petition within the limitation period.

3. Learned Counsel for the Petitioner submitted that an objection petition was filed by the Petitioner before the District Court (Commercial), Patiala House, New Delhi on 11.11.2020. The delay in filing the same was condoned due to the COVID-19 Lockdown and the closure of Court during the said period.

4. Learned counsel further submitted that after withdrawing the Petition from the Patiala House Courts, the Central Public Works Department (CPWD) approached the Ministry of Law and Justice vide letter dated 25.03.2021 for appointment of a counsel for filing the appeal before the appropriate forum i.e., the Delhi High Court. Further, a Co