( 1 ) THE Civil Miscellaneous Appeal is preferred against an interlocutory order passed by the learned Subordinate Judge, Medak, in a suit filed under S. 20 of the Arbitration Act. The appellant entered into a contract with the respondents (representing the Government) for construction of Masonry Blocks of Spillway at left flank of Signoor Project. The work was to be completed within 18 months, i. e. , by 23-5-1985. It was not so completed. At the appellant s request time was extended on more than one occasion. Meanwhile, disputes arose between the parties with respect to certain other matters, as a result of which the appellant stopped the work with effect from 4-1-1986. The respondents, thereupon stopped all further payments, also contending that the agreement as extended expired on 30-6- 1985. The appellant then raised a dispute claiming a sum of Rs. 33 lakhs from the respondent. The respondents not only disputed the appellant s claim but, in turn, claimed an amount of Rs. 21,58,400/- from the appellant representing the loss suffered by the Government on account of the appellant s abandoning the work, which they were obliged to get completed through another cont