DWARKADAS MARFATIA & SONS vs BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE PORT OF BOMBAY

The Supreme Court held that the Bombay Port Trust, being a statutory authority, is exempt from the Bombay Rents, Hotel & Lodging House Rates (Control) Act, 1947. The Court emphasized that actions taken by the Port Trust, as a 'State' under Article 12, must adhere to the principles of reasonableness and public interest as mandated by Article 14. The Court upheld the High Court's decision that the notice of termination of tenancy was valid, thereby affirming the eviction of the appellant from plot 5B.