( 1 ) THESE two applications in connection with matters coming under section 20 of the Arbitration Act arising out of two appeals are taken up together. In Special Suit No. 72 of 1991, the plaintiff/respondent alleged that they were entitled to several claims for being adjudicated upon by way of arbitration. The application was filed in respect of six different contracts corresponding to different work orders. The transactions relating to the said contracts were different and the arbitration agreement pertaining to the said Work Orders and contracts were clubbed together for a single reference. The other appeal arises out of Special Suit No. 73 of 1991 in which an application was filed in respect of four different contracts corresponding to four different Work Orders. The transactions relating to the said four contracts were different and the arbitration agreement pertaining to the said Work Orders and Contracts were clubbed together for a single reference.

( 2 ) PURSUANT to an invitation to tender, the plaintiff/respondent submitted its offer for the job of transport of coal from several collieries owned by the appellant to its washeries. Such offers were also