1. This revision is directed against the order of the Rent Control Appellate Authority, Chennai in RCA No.650 of 1996, reversing the order and decree dated 19.9.1995 made in RCOP No.2040 of 1991 on the file of the Rent Controller, Chennai. The tenant is the revision petitioner before this Court.

2. The respondents filed RCOP No.2040 of 1991 under Section 10(3A)(a)(i)(ii) and (b) of the Tamil Nadu Buildings (Lease and Rent Control) Act, 1960.

3. According to the petitioners in RCOP (hereinafter called Landlord), the mother of the respondent Smt. Parvathy Ammal had been rented out the ground floor portion (except one room) of the premises at No.21, Sate Colony, Second Street, Egmore, Chennai by Narayani Ammal and the lease agreement dated 1.2.1986 was valid upto 31.12.1986. The respondents with their mother (herein after called the tenant), were in occupation of the ground floor of the house, except one room, which the landlord"s mother had retained for storing household goods belonging to herself and their sons. The tenants mother had been rented out the said portion for a sum of Rs.800 per month. The tenants mother Parvathy Ammal expired on 12.4.1991 and the tenants cont