M/S. S.R. GHOSH vs UNION OF INDIA — C.A. No. 4789/2008

Case Summary: M/S. S.R. Ghosh v. Union of India (CA 4789/2008) Outcome: Supreme Court allowed the appeal, setting aside High Court orders and upholding the arbitrator's award dated 31.08.2003 in favor of the contractor for price escalation claim. Key Finding: The Court held that the contractor's escalation claim for bitumen price increase (via Central Government notification dated 3.7.1996) was valid and distinguishable from ordinary market fluctuations. The contract was finalized on 10.05.1996 (acceptance letter), before the price increase notification, so the contractor entered the agreement without knowledge of the escalation. The "No Claim Certificate" signed later did not bar the pre-existing claim. Next Steps: Union of India directed to release payment per the arbitral award within three months, with 12% annual interest if delayed. This case analysis is maintained by casestatus.in based on publicly available court records.