S. S. SUBRAMANI J.

The second defendant in C. S. No. 1453 of 1993 on the file of this court is the appellant before us. Respondents Nos. 1 and 2 herein, as plaintiffs, filed the above suit, against the two defendants for the following reliefs :

"...to pass a decree and judgment jointly and severally against defendants Nos. 1 and 2--

(a) for the recovery of Rs. 23, 03, 471 (rupees twenty-three lakhs three thousand four hundred and seventy-one) with interest at 24.75 per cent. per annum from the date of plaint till the date of realisation ;

(b) costs of the suit ; and

(c) grant such further or other reliefs..."

It is the case of the plaintiffs that they got acquainted with the first defendant herein some time in the year 1987-88 and were dealing with it for some time. Though they were acquainted during that period, the business transaction was not that much, and it is said that some time during the year 1991, the first defendant company requested the plaintiffs to supply fresh consignments of cut and polished diamonds. Since there has been no transaction between the plaintiff and the first defendant after 1987-88 and there had been lapse of time and considering the precious val