UNION OF INDIA Vs. M S RANA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) ONE Harbhajan Singh was a Govt. Contractor doing work for the Govt. Union of India had a dispute with him. In terms of Cl. 25 of the agreement between them, dispute was referred to sole arbiirator, Mr. N.C. Gupta of the Ministry of works and Housing. The arbitrator made an award in favour of Union of India.

(2.) AT the time matter was referred, Harbhajan Singh had died leaving behind 4 sons, 2 daughters and a widow. Heirs appeared before arbitrator. He heard them. He came to the conclusion that a sum was due to the Union of India from the deceased Harbhajan Singh. In his award he said : "in view of my findings on the foregoing claim/counterclaims, I hereby award that the claimant (Union of India) is entitled to a sum of Rs.20,958.59 to be recovered from the estate of the deceased Shri Harbhajan Singh in the hands of the present respondents in full and final settlement of the above claims and counter-claims." This was his award dated 28.3.1978. The arbitrator filed the award in court. The respondents, namely, sons, daughters and widow of Harbhajan Singh h ve filed objections to the award for its setting aside.