NIRANKAR NATH WAHI AND OTHERS vs FIFTH ADDL. DISTRICT JUDGE, MORADABAD AND ORS.

The Supreme Court held that the Additional District Judge's refusal to grant the appellant landlord a reasonable opportunity to engage senior counsel violated principles of natural justice. The Court found that the judgment was vitiated due to the failure to provide a fair hearing, particularly given the influence of the respondent tenant in the local bar. The Court set aside the judgments of the High Court and the Additional District Judge, remitting the matter for a fresh hearing with proper opportunity for both parties under Article 227.