CHANDAVARKAR SITA RATNA RAO vs ASHALATA S. GURAM

The Supreme Court interpreted Section 15A of the Bombay Rents, Hotel and Lodging House Rates Control Act, 1947, establishing that a person in occupation of premises as a licensee on February 1, 1973, is deemed a tenant under the Act. The Court held that the landlord could evict a tenant if they unlawfully licensed the premises after the Amendment Act of 1973, affirming the eviction decree against the tenant. The judgment clarified the legal status of licensees and tenants under the Act, emphasizing statutory interpretation principles.