STATE OF ORISSA Vs. B.K. ROUTRAY

JUDGEMENT

(1.) THE only question which has been raised in this appeal pertains to the award of interest by the arbitrator for the pre -reference period. The pre -reference period, in the present case, is from 31.3.1977 to 20.3.1980. This entire period is prior to coming into force of the Interest Act, 1978. The Interest Act, 1978 came into force during the pendency of the reference and the award was made on 12.10.1982 when the Interest Act, 1978 was in force.

(2.) THE short question is whether the arbitrator in 1982 could have awarded interest for the pre -reference period in view of the provisions of the coming into force of the Interest Act, 1978.

(3.) IN this connection, we would also like to refer to section 6 (2) of the Interest Act, 1978 which provides as follows :