( 1 ) THIS writ appeal is filed by the joint Commissioner in Endowments department, the 1st respondent in W. P. No. 965 of 72. The writ petition came to be filed in the following circumstances; the writ petitioner carries on business of selling coconuts, fruits, flowers betel leaves to the pilgrims, in the premises no. 7/144 on the pial covering an area of 96 sq. feet on the Northern side of rajagopuram of Sri Ksheera Ramalingeswara Swamivari Temple. The petitioner s father originally was inducted into this piemiseson a monthly rental of rs. 21- but, from 1-5-1969, the rent was enhanced to Rs. 28/- per month. The temple authorities initiated proceedings, H. R. C. No. 28/52, to evict the petitioner under Sec 7 of the Madras buildings (Lease, Rent and Eviction) control Act. That petition however, was dismissed. The petitioner continued to occupy the premises. Nothing trans pired till 1969 and in that year the petitioner executed a lease for one year, which expired on 1-6-1970. It is urged, on behalf of the appellant, that after the expiry of the lease period, no further lease was granted in favour of the petitioner by the temple authorities and they have also not receive