JUDGMENT:

Dr. AR. Lakshmanan, J.

The appellant - Food Corporation of India (hereinafter called the FCI) preferred the bove appeals against the judgment and final order dated 13.08.2002 passed by the Division Bench of the High Court of Judicature at Madras in OSA Nos. 157-159 of 1997 whereby the High Court dismissed the appeals filed by the FCI and passed a decree in terms of the Award together with interest @ 12% p.a. from the date of the decree till the date of the payment. The present dispute and differences arise out of the contract relating to the work of clearing, stevedoring, forwarding, exporting, handling and transport contract and delivery of foodgrains, sugar, flour, for the users, gift, hospital/suppliers and other commodities and gunny/twine bales imported at the Port of Tuticorin at the FCI Storage Godowns in and around Tuticorin for a period of two years from the date of contract i.e. 08.04.1981 in pursuance of Work Order No. SPC.1(1)/80 dated 20.04.1981 issued by the Senior Regional Manager, FCI, Madras. The respondent-contractor/claimant submitted his offer on 20.02.1981along with covering letter. On 07.04.1981, a communication was issued by the FCI to the claimant