Order
1. Heard the learned Senior Counsel on both sides at length.
2. Having regard to the facts and circumstances of the case that the award passed by the arbitrator has been confirmed by the Single Judge and the Division Bench and the same has been made the rule of the Court, we see no reason to interfere with the concurrent finding of facts. The appeal is accordingly dismissed. We, however, reduce the rate of interest awarded by the arbitrator from 20% to 18% for the pre-award period.
3. A question has also been raised as to whether the amount deposited by the appellant should be treated as principal amount or towards the adjustment of interest. Since this Court, on 1-4-2005 (2006) 14 SCC 150 has kept this question open, let this issue be decided by the executing court in accordance with law.