High Court Of Rajasthan
Judgename : Kan Singh
HIRANAND - Appellant
Versus
UMAID RAJ - Respondent
Second Appeal 268 Of 1972
Decided On : 11/24/1972
TENANCY - EVICTION - BONA FIDE PERSONAL NECESSITY - DETERMINATION OF RENT - STRIKING OUT OF DEFENCE - CROSS-EXAMINATION - VALIDITY OF NOTICE - INTERPRETATION.
Fact of the Case:
The tenant was sued for eviction on the ground of bona fide personal necessity of the landlord. The tenant resisted the suit, and the trial court struck out the tenant's defense for failure to pay the full amount of rent determined by the court. The tenant appealed, arguing that the trial court erred in striking out the defense, in refusing to allow cross-examination of the landlord, and in finding that the notice to terminate the tenancy was valid.
Finding of the Court:
The court held that the trial court did not err in striking out the tenant's defense, as the tenant had failed to pay the full amount of rent determined by the court. The court also held that the trial court did not err in refusing to allow cross-examination of the landlord, as the tenant's defense had been struck out and there was nothing that could be put in cross-examination to the landlord to demolish his case. Finally, the court held that the notice to terminate the tenancy was valid, as it clearly stated that the landlord wanted to put an end to the tenancy by a certain date.
Issues: 1. Whether the trial court erred in striking out the tenant's defense for failure to pay the full amount of rent determined by the court. 2. Whether the trial court erred in refusing to allow cross-examination of the landlord. 3. Whether the notice to terminate the tenancy was valid.
Ratio Decidendi: 1. The court held that the trial court did not err in striking out the tenant's defense, as the tenant had failed to pay the full amount of rent determined by the court. The court reasoned that the tenant had to abide by the provisions of Sub-section (4) of Section 13 of the Rajasthan Premises (Control of Rent and eviction) Act, 1950, which required the tenant to pay the full amount of rent determined by the court. 2. The court held that the trial court did not err in refusing to allow cross-examination of the landlord, as the tenant's defense had been struck out and there was nothing that could be put in cross-examination to the landlord to demolish his case. The court reasoned that the right to cross-examine a witness arises under the provisions of the Evidence Act, and that the range of cross-examination cannot be limited, but that the cross-examination must be in accordance with the provisions of the Evidence Act. 3. The court held that the notice to terminate the tenancy was valid, as it clearly stated that the landlord wanted to put an end to the tenancy by a certain date. The court reasoned that the notice was not artistically worded, but that the intention was crystal clear that the landlord wanted to Put an end to the tenancy by a certain date.
Final Decision: The court dismissed the tenant's appeal and upheld the trial court's judgment and decree of eviction.
KAN SINGH, J.
( 1 ) THIS is a tenants second appeal directed against the appellate judgment and decree of the learned Additional District Judge No. 2, Jodhpur, ordering the tenants eviction from the suit premises.
( 2 ) THE eviction from the suit Premises was sought on the ground of bona fide personal necessity of the landlord. The tenant resisted the suit. This gave rise to the following four issues:-
1. Whether the plaintiff has bona fide and reasonable necessity for the house and it is necessary for him to get the house evicted? 2. Whether the defendant is a habitual defaulter? 3. Whether the expenses for light and water were included in the rent? 4. Whether the notice is invalid?
An application was made by the tenant in the trial Court for the determination of the rent and by its order dated 17-2-1969 the learned Munsiff determined the rent at Rs. 1,090/ -. The tenant was directed to pay this rent as also the future rent. However, as the tenant had only paid Rs. 1,000/- and not the full amount of Rs. 1. 090/- the learned Munsiff struck off the defence of the tenant on the application made by the landlord. The plaintiff-landlord appeared in his evidence. The tenant wanted to cross-examine the landlord regarding his bona fide personal necessity for the suit premises but the cross-examination was disallowed. Eventually the learned Munsiff decreed the suit Aggrieved by the Judgment and decree of the learned Munsiff the tenant went up in appeal to the Court of the learned Additional district Judge No. 2 but was not successful. In the present second appeal a threefold contention has been made:-
1. That the suit was not filed for eviction on the ground of default by the tenant and consequently the learned Munsiff was in error in striking off the tenants defence. 2. That in spite of striking off the defence the plaintiff could be cross-examined by the defendant-tenant and the trial Court was consequently in error in refusing certain questions to be put in, corss-examination. 3. That the notice for determination of the tenancy under Section 106, transfer of Property Act was not valid.
( 3 ) LOOKING to the plaint I find that the suit is no doubt based on the bona fide personal necessity of the landlord but in spite of that for continuing to earn the protection under Section 13 of the Rajasthan Premises (Control of Rent and eviction) Act. 1950, (hereinafter called "the Act") the tenant has always to be ready and willing to pay rent for the premises to the full extent allowable by this act Further the tenant has to abide by the provisions of Sub-section (4) of Section 13 of the Act Therefore, when the defence of the tenant was struck off the plaintiff landlord was entitled to claim his rights under the general law, namely, to make the tenant quit the premises when the tenancy is determined in accordance with section 106 read with Section 111 (e) of the Transfer of Property Act. The question here is whether the defence of the defendant was struck off in accordance With law. The learned Munsiff has passed a detailed order on 23-9-1969. It goes to show that on 17-2-1969 the learned Munsiff has determined the rent payable by the tenant under Section 13 (4) of the Act at Rs. 1,090/ -. Towards this Rs. 1,000/- only were deposited by the tenant on 16-4-1969. It was urged that it was at the request of Shri Sumermal learned counsel for the plaintiff-landlord (since deceased) that only this much rent was deposited. The learned munsiff considered the question whether Rs. 1,000/-was deposited in full and final satisfaction of the amount determined by the Court as rent. He also considered the question whether Shri Sumermal had any authority to waive the payment of Rs. 907 -. Both the questions were decided against the defendant-tenant. Against this order an appeal was taken by the tenant to the Court of the learned Additional district Judge No. 1, Jodhpur. The learned Additional District Judge upheld the order of the learned Munsiff and d
Login now and unlock free premium legal research
Login to SupremeToday AI and access free legal analysis, AI highlights, and smart tools.
Login
now!
India’s Legal research and Law Firm App, Download now!
Copyright © 2023 Vikas Info Solution Pvt Ltd. All Rights Reserved.