National Highways Authority Of India, Thr. Project Director, Project Implementation Unit, Amravati v. Ramkrushna Shaligram Dhakolkar And Others

1 15-AA-52-24.odt

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT BOMBAY

NAGPUR BENCH AT NAGPUR CIVIL APPLICATION (CAM) NO. 138/2025 IN ARBITRATION APPEAL NO. 52/2024 National Highways Authority of India, Through Project Director, Project Implementation Unit-Amravati Vs. Ramkrushana Shaligram Dhakolkar and others Office Notes, Office Memoranda of Coram, Appearances, Court's orders or directions and Registrar's orders Court's or Judge's orders Mr. A.A. Kathane, Advocate for Appellant CORAM: NIVEDITA P. MEHTA, J.

DATED :

24th SEPTEMBER, 2025 1.

The present application is filed by the applicant seeking exemption from depositing court fees in the appeal arising out of the order dated 25.06.2024, passed by the learned Principal District Judge, Akola, in Civil M.A. (Arbi.) No. 271/2022.

2.

Learned counsel for the applicant submits that during the pendency of the said appeal, the matter has been amicably settled between the parties before the National Lok Adalat held on 13.09.2025.

3.

It is further submitted that in similar matters the learned Presiding Officer and Members of the Lok Adalat have specifically recorded that, in view of the amicable settlement,

2 15-AA-52-24.odt the appellant shall be entitled to refund of 100% of the court fees deposited at the time of filing the appeal.

4.

In the present case, the appellant had not deposited the court fees at the time of filing the appeal. In view of the settlement before the Lok Adalat, and the entitlement for full refund of court fees in such cases, the applicant has sought exemption from depositing the same.

5.

Considering the fact that the matter has been settled before the National Lok Adalat and the applicant is otherwise entitled to 100% refund of court fees as per prevailing norms and directions of the Lok Adalat, the application deserves to be allowed.

6.

Accordingly, the application is allowed. The applicant is exempted from depositing the court fees in the present matter.

7.

The Registry is directed to take note of this order and ensure that no insistence is made upon the applicant for deposit of court fees in connection with the present proceedings.

(NIVEDITA P. MEHTA, J.) MP Deshpande Signed by: Mr. M.P. Deshpande Designation: PA To Honourable Judge Date: 25/09/2025 14:21:36