( 1 ) THIS judgement will dispose of three appeals S. A. O- Nos. 202181, 212181 and 13190 as they raise common questions of law The first two appeals arise out of judgment dated September 17, 1979 of Additional Rent Controller, Delhi, and judgment dated May 7, 1981 passed by Rent Control Tribunal.

( 2 ) THE respondent filed eviction petition under Section 14 (1) (a) of Delhi Rent Control Act (hereinafter referred to as the Act ) on August 21, 1978 for eviction of the appellants from one big room, two small rooms, verandah, part of open terrace in front etc. forming part of the tenancy premises on second floor, plot No. 27, House No. 4779, Deputy Ganj, Sadar Bazar, Delhi. The allegations were made that Kishori Lal, since deceased, was tenant under the respondent in respect of the above said premises since July 18, 1953 at rental of Rs. 771- per month, but has neither paid nor tendered arrears of rent within two months from service of notice dated December 18, 1977. The petition for eviction was contested by the appellant on the grounds that the same was not maintainable without permission under the Slum Areas (Improvement and Clearance) Act. The respondent did not