JUDGMENT

1. These are four applications filed under Sec. 11 of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996 (for short 'the Act') whereby the applicants have prayed for appointment of an arbitral tribunal to adjudicate the disputes and differences which have arisen between the parties under the contract dtd. 28/4/2017 titled as "Deepening and Widening of Mumbai Harbour Channel and JN Port Channel (Phase-II)".

2. The contract in question in each of these petitions was awarded by the respondent to the applicant following the usual tender procedure a public body would follow. The applicants had mobilized and thereafter have performed and fully executed the contractual work which came to be completed in the month of February-March, 2019. Such completion is stated to be much before the prescribed time limit as set out and agreed between the parties. Under Clause 48.1 of the General Conditions of Contract, the contractor (petitioner no. 1) was required to issue a notice of completion and by following the procedure as agreed. A 'Taking Over Certificate (TOC)' was to be issued by the designated Engineer with the approval of the Respondent within 21 days from the notice of completion. It is th