1. The above suit is filed by the plaintiff to recover a sum of Rs. 10,74,100.22 together with interest at 19% per annum on the said sum, from the date of plaint till date of realisation and for costs.

2. The plaintiff is a statutory incorporated Corporation incorporated under the Food Corporation Act 1964 for the purpose of Trading in foodgrains, food stuffs, fertilisers and other essential commodities. In the course of its activities, the plaintiff precures foodgrains and other essential commodities from various places in the country and outside the country and effect movement of the same to places where they are required. The Senior Regional Manager of the plaintiff invited tenders on 17.11.1981 in No. S & C/13/1/4/81- Cont., for the appointment of transport/handling contractors for transportation/handling of sugar stocks from the places of storage referred to therein to Salt Cotaurs and load them into wagons for different destinations as per the movement programmes given by the District Manager, Madras District Office, Egmore and by the Senior Regional Manager of the Corporation or their nominees. It is the case of the plaintiff that pursuant to the said notice of th