JUDGMENT :

Kshitij Shailendra, J.

1. These two connected writ petitions arise out of same controversy and, therefore, were heard together. Since all the relevant facts and arguments are covered by Writ C No.33840 of 2023, a detailed judgement is being pronounced treating the said writ petition as the leading one and after conclusion of the judgement in the said writ petition, a separate order shall be passed in the connected Writ C No.42177 of 2023.

2. The Writ C No.33840 of 2023 under Article 226 of the Constitution of India has been filed assailing the order/award dated 28.07.2023 passed by the Collector, Jhansi in the capacity of Arbitrator under the provisions of Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996 (hereinafter referred to as ‘the Act of 1996’) made applicable by virtue of Section 3G(6) of the National Highways Act, 1956 (hereinafter referred to as ‘the Act of 1956’) in Case No. 2337 of 2023 (Computerized Case No.D202306370002337) (Dr. Rajeev Sinha v. National Highways Authority of India, Jhansi), with a further prayer directing the District Magistrate /Collector /Arbitrator, Jhansi to decide the said case in terms of guidelines/directions contained in the judgment and order da