In a recent case an ejectment order was passed by the Supreme Court favoring the landlord in a tenancy dispute under the Delhi Rent Control Act, 1995. Directed towards an eighty-two-year-old man, the tenant, the order mandated the vacation of the premises before February 28, 2025. 

The ruling came as a resolution following a prolonged legal tussle between the parties involved.

The dispute, rooted in disagreements over property occupancy and rental terms, had traversed through various legal avenues before landing at the Supreme Court's doorstep. Initially adjudicated under the Delhi High Court, the matter was remanded to the Rent Controller for further deliberation under the provisions of the Rent Control Act.

Represented by Senior Advocate Gopal Sankarnarayanan, the petitioner sought to assert the landlord's rights over the property, which had been subject to a written lease agreement with the tenant.

Over time, the rental terms had been a point of contention, eventually leading to the escalation of the dispute to the highest judicial authority in the land. During the course of proceedings, an amicable resolution was sought by both parties, with terms being orally spelt out before the Supreme Court. 

The bench of Justices J.K. Maheshwari and Sanjay Karol, presiding over the case, underscored the gravity of the resolution, making it clear to the tenant that failure to comply could result in severe consequences, including contempt proceedings.

The tenant, grappling with personal loss amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, was granted time to vacate the premises. However, the Court left no ambiguity in its directive, emphasizing the need for prompt compliance. The tenant was instructed to hand over vacant possession of the property to the landlords before the specified deadline.

Furthermore, the Court underscored the importance of clearing rental arrears, refraining from creating any encumbrances on the property, and prohibiting the transfer of possession to any third party. These directives were issued to ensure the smooth transition of ownership and to safeguard the rights of the landlord.

In disposing of the petition, the Supreme Court upheld the ejectment order, reaffirming the principle of contractual obligations and adherence to legal directives. The case serves as a reminder of the intricacies involved in tenancy disputes and the significance of legal recourse in resolving such matters.

Case: Swami Goverdhan Rangachariji & Ors. vs. M/S. A.J. Printers,

PETITION FOR SPECIAL LEAVE TO APPEAL (C) NO.18366 of 202.

Click to read/download Judgment.