R. A. Sharma, J.

1. In view of the conflicting decisions rendered by the learned Single Judges regarding the ambit and scope of Rule 16 (2) of the Rules framed under the U. P. Urban Buildings (Regulation of Letting, Rent and Eviction) Act, 1972 (hereinafter referred to as the Act), a learned Single Judge has referred the matter to the larger Bench for resolving the conflict. Hon'ble the Chief Justice has accordingly placed this matter before us.

2. SECTION 21 of the Act provides for release of a building under occupation of a tenant. Sub-section (1) (a) of the said SECTION, which is reproduced below, empowers the prescribed authority, on the application of the landlord, to order eviction of a tenant from the building under his tenancy on the ground that it is bona fide required by the landlord: "21. Proceedings for release of building under occupation of tenant.- (1) The prescribed authority may, on an application of the landlord in that behalf, order the eviction of a tenant from the building under tenancy or any specified part thereof if it is satisfied that any of the following grounds exists namely : (a) that the building is bonafide required either in its existing fo