STATE OF ARUNACHAL PRADESH vs M/S. DAMANI CONSTRUCTION CO.

The Supreme Court held that the order of the Gauhati High Court setting aside the Deputy Commissioner's order condoning the delay in filing an application under Section 34 of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996 was erroneous. The Court clarified that the delay in filing such applications can be condoned under Section 5 of the Limitation Act, 1963, provided sufficient cause is shown. The appeal was allowed, reinstating the Deputy Commissioner's order and emphasizing the importance of ensuring that disputes are resolved through arbitration as intended by the Act.