Key Points: - The COVID-19 pandemic constitutes a force majeure event under Clause 12 of the Lease Deed (Act of God and Embargo) and affects April–May 2020 rent (!) (!) (!) (!) . - The force majeure does not benefit the lessee alone; both parties must bear the impact, with the court directing 50% rent payment for April–May 2020 and continuing rent from 1 June 2020 to 14 December 2020, plus interest at 18% (!) (!) (!) . - The court rejects a full waiver of rent beyond May 2020, noting reopenings and lack of termination by lessee; liability for post-June 2020 rent and possession handover is affirmed (!) (!) . - The plaintiff is entitled to recover arrears of rent, interest, GST, penalties/fines, electricity and water charges, with set-off against security deposits and prior payments (!) (!) (!) (!) (!) (!) (!) (!) (!) . - The court declines penal rent under Clause 14.2 due to absence of proven breach caused by defendants, given invocation of force majeure (!) (!) . - The possession was handed over on 14 December 2020; decree to be drawn for amounts due up to that date, with specified calculations and set-off rights (!) (!) (!) (!) (!) .

What is the scope and effect of the COVID-19 pandemic as a force majeure event under the Lease Deed?

What are the rights and obligations of the lessee and lessor with respect to rent payment during the force majeure period and after reopening?

What is the Court's determination on liability for arrears, interest, GST, penalties, and set-offs, and the resulting decree?