1. As these Appeals are arising out of the common judgment and decree, dated 29.04.2002, passed in O.S.Nos.1 & 8 of 2002, on the file of the Additional District Judge, Fast Track Court, Cuddalore, they were heard together, and disposed of, vide this common judgment.

2. The plaintiffs in O.S.No.1 of 2002, are the appellants in A.S.No.206 of 2002, the first defendant in O.S.No.8 of 2002, is the appellant in A.S.No.207 of 2002, and, the plaintiff in O.S.No.8 of 2002, is the appellant in A.S.No.167 of 2002.

3. The plaintiffs in O.S.No.1 of 2002, filed the suit for recovery of a sum of Rs.9,29,715.82 from the defendant. The suit was dismissed. Aggrieved by the same, A.S.No.206 of 2002 was filed. The first defendant in O.S.No.8 of 2002, filed A.S.No.207 of 2002 against the grant of decree for a sum of Rs.1,29,195.74. In O.S.No.1 of 2002, counter claim was made by the defendant for a sum of Rs.6,04,597/- with future interest at the rate of 12% p.a. and that was allowed and the same was challenged in A.S.No.206 of 2002.

4. The plaintiffs allegation in O.S.No.1 of 2002, is as follows:-

i) For the year 1992-93, the plaintiff-Corporation decided to award stevedoring contract. For the sai