JUDGMENT

B. P. JEEVAN, REDDY, J.:- Leave granted. Heard the learned Attorney General and Shri Ashwini Kumar for the appellant and Sri Harish Salve for the respondents.

2. Common questions arise in these appeals. For the sake of convenience, we would refer to the facts in civil appeal arising out of S.L.P. (C) Nos. 14140-47 of 1991. The appeal is directed against the judgment and order of a Division Bench of the Delhi High Court dismissing the appeal preferred by the appellant, Municipal Corporation of Delhi (DESU) - as well as the cross-objections preferred by the respondent. The appeal and cross-objections were preferred against the judgment of a learned single Judge of the Delhi High Court dated 21st November, 1990 allowing the petition - and a large number of similar petitions - filed by the respondent - and other consumers - under Section 20 of the Arbitration Act and referring the dispute between the parties to arbitration. The learned single Judge directed further that pending the arbitration proceedings before the Arbitrator, the consumer shall not be made to deposit the disputed amount. It was, however, observed that in case it is ultimately held that the consumer is liable