M/S Ram Barai Singh & Co vs State Of Bihar & Ors

The Supreme Court held that the Patna High Court erred in dismissing the appellant's writ petition on the grounds of an arbitration clause, as the agreement had ceased to exist after the completion of work and payment in 1992. The Court emphasized that the arbitration clause could not be invoked for disputes arising long after the agreement's termination. The Court reinstated the Single Judge's order, allowing the writ petition and affirming the appellant's right to claim interest on delayed payments under Article 14 and Article 21 of the Constitution of India.