In this application, filed under Section 11 of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996, (Act No. 26 of 2006), the applicant seeks appointment of an arbitrator to pass an award in respect of disputes and differences which arose out of the agreement dated 1.9.1999 relating to the construction of bridge No.4 at K.M. 178/6-8 Chennai-Kumbakonam-Thanjavur Road for Highways and rural works department, Government of Tamilnadu.

2. The applicant, a partnership firm having its office at Hyderabad, entered into an agreement with the 1st respondent on 1.9.1999, for construction of the aforesaid work, pursuant to a letter of acceptance dated 9.6.1999 received from the 2nd respondent at Hyderabad. The work was completed on 30.4.2001 and was opened to road traffic. The maintenance period was also completed on 25.6.2003. During execution of the work, certain additional items were executed under the orders of the respondents. The applicant submitted a final bill for Rs.99,30,945.95. According to them, the total quantity executed, and the various amounts due to them against the existing as well as the additional items, worked out to Rs.3,86,45,642.61 and that the final bill,