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2020 (11) TMI 790 - SC - Indian LawsRefund of contract consideration/earnest money - payment of interest for the period from 08.11.1994 to 19.05.1998 - rate of interest @ 10% p.a. or 12% p.a. - HELD THAT:- In this case, conduct of the Board betrays a callous and indifferent attitude, which in effect is that if Asiatic Steel wished for its money to be returned, it had to approach the court. This was despite its knowledge that at least three other identically placed entities had asked for return of money and, upon approaching the court, were refunded the amounts given by them promptly. In view of these facts, nothing prevented the Board from deciding to refund the amount, without forcing Asiatic Steel to approach the court. This court notes that the High Court directed payment of interest for the entire period (i.e. starting from 08.11.1994 and ending on 19.05.1998). However, it is evident that Asiatic Steel had not paid the entire amount on 08.11.1994; in fact the sum of $1,153,000 /- i.e. the principal consideration, excluding the earnest money deposit, was deposited on 24.03.1995. Therefore, the impugned judgment erred in directing payment of interest on the entire amount from 08.11.1994; instead, the direction to pay interest on ₹ 3,61,20,000/- shall operate with effect from 22.03.1995 to 19.05.1998. The appeal allowed in part.
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