Himachal High Court Dismisses Government Appeal After 323 Days, Contractor to Receive Pending Payment
The Himachal Pradesh High Court has dismissed an appeal filed by the state government, terming it as gross negligence. A bench comprising Chief Justice Gurmeet Singh Sandhawalia and Justice Bipin Chandra Negi clarified that the department cannot hide its lethargy behind administrative delays.
The case concerns pending payments for a contractor whose work was completed in 2013. In January 2024, an arbitrator ruled in favor of the contractor, awarding around ₹66.35 lakh. The state government filed a petition against this, which was earlier dismissed by a single judge due to a 23-day delay. The government later filed an appeal after a delay of nearly 323 days.
During the hearing, the court rejected the government’s claim that it was unaware of the decision due to the Advocate General’s office. The court stated that it is the department’s duty to stay in touch with lawyers regarding their case status. It also noted that despite being informed in July 2025, the government took until September to obtain a certified copy.
The bench cited Supreme Court rulings, emphasizing that delay can be excused only as an exception, not a right. Further delay for a contractor who has been waiting since 2013 would be a mockery of justice. The court dismissed both the delay petition and the main appeal, meaning the government must now pay the contractor ₹66.35 lakh.
Additionally, in related FIRs, nine people have already been arrested, and police are in the process of arresting three more individuals.
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