Common Order:

Aggrieved by fixation of fair rent at Rs.59,590/-, Tenant has preferred these revisions. The demised premises is situated at No.13, II Line Beach Road, Madras.

2. For convenience, parties are referred in their original rank in RCOP.

3. Revision Petitioner, a registered Company, has become Tenant in respect of the entire premises consisting of ground floor and first and second floors with a total plinth area of about 11,287 sq.ft. on a monthly rent of Rs.20,000/-. The premises was being used for non-residential purpose. Stating that the premises is situated in prime commercial locality, landlords filed Petition under Section 4 of the Tamil Nadu Buildings [Lease and Rent Control] Act, 1960, [in short, the Act], for fixation of fair rent at Rs.65,400/- [Rs.5.79 per sq.ft.].

4. The Respondent/Tenant resisted that application contending that the premises is over 100 years old and the Respondent had to spend considerable amount year after year for maintenance and repairing, to keep the building in a habitual condition. Stating that the building is situated in a narrow street of secondary commercial locality, the Respondent denied that the Petition premises is