Landlord, tenant case to be disposed off quickly

Landlord, tenant case to be disposed off quickly
EXPRESS NEWS SERVICE

MUMBAI, JULY 21: Suits between landlords and tenants will now be disposed off expeditiously. Under new Maharashtra Rent Control Act 1999, premises let to banks, statutory corporations, multinational companies, public and private companies with paid up capital of Rs 1 crore and above are exempted from applicability of Rent Act.

Such tenants since 31th March 2000 do not have protection of Rent Act.

Chief Judge of Small Cause Court, Bombay, Justice R R Gandhi has constituted a special court to exclusively deal with such cases so that they may be disposed off quickly.

Many landlords who had let out premises to such parties including members of co-operative societies were apprehensive that even though Rent Act was not applicable, litigation would take many years in the court of law. Their fears have now been allayed.

Mulraj Shah, senior advocate and expert on Rent Control Legislation, expressed happiness and described the action as positive step by Judiciary. Shah stated that in Mumbai all suits between landlords and tenants for recovery of possession or rent even when Rent Act is not applicable are to be filed only in Bombay Small Cause Court and no other court has jurisdiction.

This has been clarified by a Division Bench of Bombay High Court. It is, therefore, necessary that Small Cause Court should dispose off such matters expeditiously so that benefit given... Shah further stated that Chief Judge Gandhi has also indicated that if found necessary he will constitute one more special court.

S B Sabnis, Advocate, a member of Bar Council of Maharashtra also expressed satisfaction and appreciation of step taken by Chief Judge Gandhi stating that step of Gandhi will enhance public's faith in Judiciary.