Dipak Kumar Sen J. Asteroid Maritime Limited, the plaintiff, instutited this suit on the 21st July 1984 against Mohamed Abdul Rehman Orri, Saudi Cargo Carriers Company Limited, Saudi Chartering S.A., Saudi International Shipping Company S.A., Saudi India Navigation Line, M/s Saudi Europe Line, impleaded as defendants Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 respectively, claming inter alia, a decree for Rs. 45,70.543.60p interest on the said amount from the 18th June 1984 till the filing of the suit, further interest and costs.

2. The plaintiff is a company incorporated in Cyprus. The defendant No.1 is national of Saudi Arabia. The defendant no.2 is a shipping operation and chartering company incorporated in Saudi Arabia. The defendant No. 3 is a ship chartering company also incorporated in Saudi Arabia. The defendant No. 4 is a ship management company incorporated in Greece. The defendant no. 5 is a ship-owning company incorporated in Saudi Arabia. The defendant No. 6 is a ship managing and operating company incorporated in Greece.

3. The case of the plaintiff in the plaint appears to be as follows : -

a) The plaintiff owns and runs a sea going vessel named M.V. Fidelity (hereinafter referre