Judgment

Rajendra Babu, J.-Leave granted.

2. In relation to the construction of High Level Bridge over river Ghaggar on Pehawa Road at Devigarh, an agreement was entered into between the appellant and the respondents. The disputes between them arose in respect of certain claims made by the appellant and the matter was referred to arbitration (respondent No. 3) pursuant to an order made by Sub-Judge (1st Class), Patiala. The appellant submitted his claim before the Arbitrator and sought for an interim award in respect of Item No. 1 with a claim for 18% compound interest from 1.2.1981 to 15.3.1992. The Arbitrator, by award made on November 26, 1992, awarded a sum of Rs. 7.45 lacs in respect of Item No. 1 with interest @ 18% compound yearly from 1.2.1981 to 15.3.1992. On January 28, 1994, the Arbitrator made another award inclusive of Item No. 1 and awarded a sum of Rs. 3.75 lacs and interest @ 12% per annum with effect from 1.2.1981 to 15.3.1992 on the amount and also in respect of other claims. The appellant made an application under Section 14 of the Arbitration Act, 1940 (hereinafter referred to as ‘the Act’) for making the awards dated November 26, 1992 and January 28, 1994 as the