J.R. Midha, J.

The Commissioner, Employees' Compensation awarded compensation of Rs.10,69,008/- along with interest @ 12% per annum w.e.f. 6th April, 2012 to respondent No.1 which has been upheld by this Court vide judgment dated 20th December, 2017.

2. The appellant deposited Rs.10,69,008/- with the Commissioner, Employees' Compensation on 14th July, 2016. The appellant deposited further amount of Rs.5,48,270/- with the Commissioner, Employees' Compensation on 12th March, 2018.

3. The question has arisen for consideration as to whether the amounts deposited by the appellant have to be adjusted first towards the interest or towards the principal award amount.

4. In Gurpreet Singh v. Union of India, (2006) 8 SCC 457, the Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court held that the payment made by the judgment debtor to decree holder has to be appropriated first towards the interest and costs and then, towards the principal.

5. In the subsequent case of Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd. v. R.S. Avtar Singh, (2013) 1 SCC 243, the Supreme Court summarized the principles laid down by th