( 1 ) THE facts. This case raises a rather interesting point. It arises upon a petition under s. 20 of the Arbitration Act (the Act ). It arises in this way Shri Jai Kishan Das of M|s Alkarma, petitioner, is a contractor. He entered into a contract with the respondent, Delhi Development Authority (DDA) for the execution of work of construction. He was awarded the work of fixing aluminium windows in Vikas Minar, a building where DDA sits. This work was awarded to him in 1973.

( 2 ) THE contractor did the work. While the work was in progress certain disputes arose between the parties. The contract contains an arbitration clause. This is clause 25. It reads :

"except where otherwise provided in the contract all questions and disputes relating to the meaning of the specifications, designs, drawings and instructions hereinbefore mentioned and as to the quality or workmanship or materials used on the work or as to any other question, claim, right, matter or thing whatsoever, in any way arising out of or relating to the contract, design, drawings, specifications, estimates, instruction, orders or these conditions or otherwise concerning the works, or the execu