JUDGMENT :

ROHINTON FALI NARIMAN, J.

Leave granted.

2. The present appeals relate to whether a notice under Section 80 of the Code of Civil Procedure (CPC) has been given to the State of Tamil Nadu in terms of the Section or in substantial compliance thereof.

3. The appellant is a Government Contractor who has executed various works in the National Highways, P.W.D. and Electricity Board. On 15.10.1997, the appellant and respondent No. 2 entered into an agreement for strengthening the existing two-lane pavement of NH7 from a particular kilometer point from Madurai to Kanyakumari. As per the agreement, the work ought to have been completed in 18 months. The site was handed over to the appellant on 20.10.1997, but, in the course of the progress of work, the appellant stated that due to delay caused by the respondents, he was not able to progress and complete the work in time. The immediate reason why the appellant had to knock at the doors of the High Court was an order dated 16.12.1999 passed by the Superintending Engineer partially terminating the contract on the ground that the plaintiff-appellant has not shown sufficient progress in the execution of the said work. The plaintiff-appell