JUDGMENT

D.P. Mohapatra, J.-Leave is granted in all the SLPs.

2. These appeals are directed against the judgment of the High Court of Bombay at Goa, dated 29th February, 2000. Indeed both the parties to the dispute have filed appeals assailing the judgment of the High Court.

3. M/s. Shyama Charana Agarwala & Sons (hereinafter referred to as the Contractor ) were entrusted with the work of construction of married accommodation for 80MCPOs/CPOs/80Pos and 16 sailors at Gao Naval Area, Varunapuri, Mangor Hill, Vasco-da-Gama, by the Union of India (for short the UOI ) through the Chief Engineer (Navy), Cochin Naval Base under the agreement No. CECZ/GOA-12 of 1990-91. The work order was placed vide letter No. 8319/43/E-8, dated 20.7.1990 for Rs. 2,62,33,057-94. The date of commencement of the work was 16.8.1990 and the work was to be completed by 15.11.1991.

4. The same contractor by another agreement No. CECZ/GOA/40 of 1991-92 was entrusted with the work of construction of married accommodation for MCOs/CPOs and JCOs at Gao. The work order was placed vide letter No. 8305/88/E-8, dated 5.2.1992. The date of commencement of the work was 24.2.1992 and the work was to be completed by 23.2.199