The main point that arises for decision in this case is whether the plaintiff (hereinafter called the lessees) are entitled to the benefits and protection under the Madras Buildings (Lease and Rent Control) Act, 1960 (referred to herein as the Act) as amended by Madras Act (XI of 1964), in respect of a building of a Theatre known as “Odeon Cinema”. This Cinema theatre belonged to two brothers, the first and the second defendant in equal shares and the second defendant, since dead, sold his half share to defendants 3 to 5 under a registered sale deed, dated 14th October, 1966. As certain objections were raised concerning the rights of the plaintiffs to obtain a renewal of the licence under the Madras Cinema Regulations, the Commissioner of Police, has been impleaded as the sixth defendant.

The relevant facts about which there is no serious controversy may be stated. The suit theatre which is now popularly known as “Odeon Cinema” belonged to defendants 1 and 2 and they were exhibiting pictures for several years in that theatre which Was then styled as “ Sagar Talkies” . They had also obtained the requisite licence under the relevant Cinematograph Act, getting the licence ren