JUDGMENT :

Vivek Singh Thakur, J.

1. This application has been filed for extension of period to complete the arbitration proceedings by invoking provisions of Section 29-A (4) of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996 (herein after referred to be the "Act" for short).

2. It is stated in the application that learned arbitrator had entered reference in the arbitral proceedings on 15.5.2019 and had issued notice to the parties, which was duly received by parties on or before 30.5.2019. The time prescribed to conclude the arbitration proceedings under the Act is 12 months and thus it has expired in May, 2020. Further it is submitted that arbitration proceedings could not be concluded on account of complete lock down in the entire country in the month of March, 2020 on account of COVID-19 pandemic. It is further submitted that at the time of appointment of Arbitrator H.P. Electricity Regulatory Commission has directed the sole arbitrator to expedite the proceedings so as to complete the arbitration process within four months and pass a reasoned award under the Act. It is submitted on behalf of petitioner that prescribing the time limit less than the time limit provided under the statut