Judgment

RANGANATHAN, J.:- These are cross appeals by M/s. Hind Builders (hereinafter referred to as the contractors) and the Union of India, from an order of Division Bench of the Calcutta High Court in an arbitration matter.

2. The contractors had been awarded a contract for the execution of certain civil works in connection with the Metro Railway Project in Calcutta. Certain disputes arose between the Union and the contractors. These disputes were referred for decision to two arbitrators appointed by the High Court of Calcutta. The arbitrators entered upon the  reference on 27th June, 1983. The contractors had filed a claim before the arbitrators for a sum of Rs. 2,05,67,554/- On 26-3-1984 the arbitrators awarded a sum of Rs. 57,47,198 to the contractors.

3. The claim of the contractors filed before the arbitrators was an itemised claim in respect of various items of works executed by them. The body of the award made by the arbitrators reads as follows:

"We make and publish our Award, as below: -

(i) that the respondent shall pay the .Contractors a sum of Rs. 57,47,1981 only in full and final settlement of all their claims and dues under the abovementioned contract agreement. In addi