SATYA NARAIN PANDEY vs STATE OF U.P. & OTHERS

The Supreme Court interpreted Section 2(1)(d) of the U.P. Urban Buildings (Regulation of Letting, Rent and Eviction) Act, 1972, clarifying the conditions under which a building can be considered vacant. The Court held that the landlords' actions in leasing the building to the Mehrotras, along with all equipment, constituted a valid lease under the Act, thus rejecting the appellant Pandey's claim for allotment. The appeal was dismissed, affirming the High Court's decision to uphold the grant of a cinematographic license to the Mehrotras.