Mr. N. Venkataraman, Learned Additional Solicitor General submits that in terms of the statute, the liability to pay interest would be at “such rate not exceeding 6 per cent as may be specified in the notification”.

It is submitted that the High Court was not, therefore, justified in awarding interest at the rate of 9 per cent per annum.

The liability to pay the interest @ 6 per cent per annum having not been disputed, the petitioner(s) shall refund the entire amount due to the respondent along with interest @ 6 per cent per annum within seven days from today.

An affidavit to the effect that the amount in terms of the aforesaid direction has been disbursed to the respondent shall be filed within a week thereafter.

The Registry shall issue notice on Special Leave Petitions as well as on application seeking condonation of delay, returnable on 23-8-2021, only upon proof of such affidavit being filed two weeks from today.

In case the affidavit is not filed within the stipulated period, the Special Leave Petitions shall stand dismissed without further reference to the Court.