AR.Lakshmanan, J.

The plaintiffs, who succeeded in part before the learned single Judge of this Court, are the appellants in the above appeal and the respondents in the memorandum of cross objections filed by the Tamil Nadu Electricity Board, who are the respondents in the appeal.

2. The appellants filed the suit C.S. No.678 of 1982 on the file of the Original Side of this Court, for recovery of a sum of Rs.46,08,820 together with interest at 18% per annum from the date of institution of the suit till the date of realisation and for costs. The respondents/ defendants invited tenders (Specification No.P.543) for transport of iron and steel materials including unloading, weighment and stocking from various stockyards of the supplies to the destination stores of the respondents during the period 9. 1978 to 38. 1979. In pursuance of the said tender the 1st appellant submitted his tender form on 17. 1978 along with a letter dated 17. 1978 quoting the following rates:

Rate per kilo metre per ton

(a) 0 to 50 kms Rs.1.26

(b) 51 to 200 krns Rs.0.26

(c) 201 to 400 kms Rs.0.24

(d) 401 to 600 kms Rs.0.19

(e) Beyond 600 kms Rs.0.11 For hill areas, Rs.3.00 per kilo metre per metric to