ORDER

Leave granted.

2. Heard the learned counsel for the parties.

3. By the impugned judgment and decree dated 8.9.2000 passed in first appeal from order No. 839 of 1997, the High Court of Allahabad modified the judgment and decree dated 30.5.1997 passed by the civil judge (senior division), Allahabad and directed that the appellant shall be entitled to interest at the rate of 6 per cent for the entire period i.e. prior to the date of making reference. The Court directed that the respondent shall also be entitled to the interest at the same rate for the period prior to making of reference and pendente lite thereafter as decreed by the court below. Against that judgment and order, this appeal is filed on behalf of the contractor.

4. In the present case, the appellant and the respondent Union of India entered into an agreement for constructing buildings at new cantonment, Allahabad in the year 1989. The construction work was to be completed within the specified time in the agreement. Certain disputes arose between the parties and the matter was referred to the sole arbitrator. The arbitrator gave the award on 30-12-1995 and awarded amount of Rs. 4,40,182.44 to the appellant with 18 per