C. V. N. SASTRY, J.

( 1 ) THESE two appeals can be disposed of by a common judgment as the question involved is one and the same and the facts of the two cases are identical.

( 2 ) THE appeals arise out of two suits filed by two different landlords, owning separate portions of the same building, against their common tenant for eviction and for mesne profits or damages for use and occupation.

( 3 ) IT is not in dispute that the suit premises were leased out by the plaintiffs to the defendant under separate lease agreements dated 16-2-1979 for a period of two years with effect from 16-4-1978 on payment of rent at the rate of Rs. 0. 63 ps. per sq. ft. The lease period expired by 15-4-1980. Before the expiry of the lease period i. e. , on 7-1-1980, the defendant addressed a letter to the plaintiffs seeking extension/renewal of the leases. On 20-1-1980 the plaintiffs sent a reply stating that extension of the leases will be considered only on payment of rent at the rate of Rs. 2. 00 per sq. ft. A joint meeting was held in March 1980 in which the defendant offered to increase the rent only by Rs. 0. 10 ps. per sq. ft. as against the plaintiffs demand of Rs. 2. 00 per sq. ft. The plaintif

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