C O M M O N J U D G M E N T

[Judgment of the Court was delivered by R.SUBRAMANIAN, J The parties will be referred to as per their ranks for the purpose of convenience.

2. The respondents 1 to 8 filed a suit seeking a declaration that there is no renewal of the lease beyond 31.12.2009 as the right to renew conferred on the defendant has become nugatory on account of non-payment of the renegotiated rent and for eviction. The plaintiffs contended that the suit property was leased to the appellant to run a Petroleum outlet under a lease deed dated 27.02.1995 by one Rajagopal, who died on 12.09.2006. The plaintiffs are the legal heirs of said Rajagopal. The lease was for a period of 20 years commencing from 01.01.1989. The initial rent was Rs.4,500/- and it was subsequently enhanced to Rs.5,400/- for the second 5 years, to Rs.6,750/-

for the third 5 years and Rs.8,440/- for the last 5 years. As per the conditions in the lease deed, the lease can be terminate