Judgment

SHELAT, J. : (On behalf of himself and Subba Rao CJI. and Vaidialingam, J.) - This appeal, by certificate, is directed against the judgment and order of the High Court of Punjab dismissing the appellant s writ petition which challenged the validity of the Punjab Public Premises and Land (Eviction and Rent Recovery) Act XXXI of 1959.

2. In or about September, 1953, the State of Punjab leased the Mount View Hotel" at Chandigarh to the appellants for a period of six years commencing from September 24, 1953 at an annual rent of Rupees 72 000 subsequently reduced to Rs. 50,000. The deed of lease of the said Hotel, however was drawn up and executed on May 21, 1959. On or about August 27, 1959, the Government offered to sell the said Hotel to the appellants at a price of Rs. 12,00,000. Since the appellants did not accept the said offer the same was withdrawn and as the said period of six years had by that time expired, the Government called upon the appellants to hand over vacant possession on or before January 1, 1960. On January 1, 1960 the Estate Officer and Collector, Capital Project, Chandigarh served the appellants with a notice alleging that their occupation of the said Ho