ORDER

1. Leave granted.

2. Under the order of this Court dated 7-2-1997, notice was issued to the respondent for final disposal of the special leave petition in view of the receipt dated 23-10-1993 given by the respondent to the appellants. Accordingly, we have heard both the sides.

3. The appellants had entered into a contract dated 8-8-1988 with the respondent for construction of their building at Dehradun on the terms and conditions set out in that contract. According to the appellants, several extensions were granted to the respondent for completion of the building. Ultimately, the contract was terminated by them on 28-7-1992. According to the appellants, they have paid a total amount of Rs. 2.63 lakhs (approximately) to the respondent under the said contract. The final payment has been made under a receipt dated 23-10-1993 which is signed by the Project Manager for and on behalf of the respondent. It states :

"Received a sum of Rs. 2,19,245 vide Cheque No. 9526281 dated 23-10-1993 from the Director, Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun on behalf of Shri Vijay Kumar Garg, Sector 9-B, Chandigarh in full and final settlement of our final bill for the construction work and other