S.B. ABDUL AZEEZ (BY LRS.) vs M. MANIYAPPA SETTY & ANR.

The Supreme Court held that under Section 3(h) of the Karnataka Rent Control Act, 1961, a usufructuary mortgagee is included in the definition of 'landlord' as they are entitled to receive rent on their own account. The Court affirmed that a usufructuary mortgagee with possession has the same rights as the owner to seek eviction of a tenant under Section 21(1)(h) of the Act. The appeal was dismissed, upholding the lower courts' decisions that the mortgage was valid and the mortgagees were bona fide in their need for the premises.