FIRMS AMAR NATH BASHESHAR DASS vs TEK CHAND

The Supreme Court held that under the Punjab Urban Rent Restriction Act, 1949, a landlord can evict a tenant if a suit is filed within the exemption period of five years from the completion of the building, as per Section 3 and Section 13. The Court clarified that while the suit must be filed within this period, there is no requirement for the decree to be obtained within the same timeframe. The interpretation of the statute aims to uphold the landlord's rights without rendering the exemption illusory. Consequently, the appeal was dismissed, affirming the High Court's decision in favor of the respondent.