( 1 ) IN this appeal M/s. M. L. Mahajan (hereinafter referred as the Contractor) has assailed the judgment of the learned Single Judge dated 20/07/1990 whereby the award of a sum of Rs. 2,21,600. 00 in respect of Claim No. 20 (which was for a total sum of rs. 4,60,000/-) had been set aside. This Claim was lodged on account of the alleged rise in the market price beyond the stipulated date of completion. The appellant/contractor has prayed that the Award dated 15. 9. 87, in respect of Claim No. 20, be made rule of the court and that interest thereon at the rate of 18% per annum from the date of the Award till the date of the payment be also granted along with costs. The facts in brief are that the Contractor was awarded the work of construction of 40 MIG/lig and 20 Janata Houses at dilshad Garden, Group A, Pocket II, Delhi, vide letter dated 25. 3. 1977. Thereafter an Agreement bearing No. 6/hd/xix/76-77 dated 31. 3. 1977 was executed between the parties. The work was to commence on 4. 4. 1977 and was to be completed by 3. 8. 1978, i. e. 16 months. As it transpired, the project was completed as late as in august 1980, i. e. after a delay of approximately 24 months.

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