SHAM LAL (DEAD) BY LRS. vs ATME NAND JAIN SABHA (REGD.) DAL BAZAR

The Supreme Court interpreted 'first day of hearing' under Section 13(2) of the East Punjab Urban Rent Restriction Act, 1949, clarifying that it refers to the date when the Rent Controller assesses the case, not merely the date of the tenant's appearance. The Court held that the tenant's tender of arrears on the adjourned date constituted a valid tender under the Act, thus reversing the High Court's decision and allowing the tenant's appeal. The ruling emphasizes the importance of the actual hearing date in determining defaults in rent payment.