2024 INSC 388 Non-Reportable IN THE SUPREME COURT OF INDIA CIVIL APPELLATE JURISDICTION CIVIL APPEAL NO. 4702 OF 2023 National Highways Authority of India … Appellant Versus M/s Hindustan Construction Company Ltd. … Respondent with CIVIL APPEAL NO. 4703 OF 2023 CIVIL APPEAL NO. 4704 OF 2023 CIVIL APPEAL NO. 4705 OF 2023 CIVIL APPEAL NO. 4706 OF 2023 CIVIL APPEAL NO. 4707 OF 2023 CIVIL APPEAL NO. 4708 OF 2023 and CIVIL APPEAL NO. 4709 OF 2023 J U D G M E N T ABHAY S. OKA, J. FACTUAL ASPECTS IN CIVIL APPEAL NO. 4702 OF 2023 1. The appellant- National Highways Authority of India Ltd. has been constituted under Section 3 of the National Highways Authority of India Act, 1988. On 2nd June 2004, the appellant awarded a contract to the respondent for the work of the Allahabad Bypass Project, which involved the construction of a road from km 158 to km 198 (except a bridge on the river). The total cost of the project was Rs.4,46,99,12,839/-. A dispute Civil Appeal no.4702 of 2023 etc. Page 1 of