PUKHRAJ JAIN vs MRS. PADMA KASHYAP AND ANR.

The Supreme Court held that under Section 21 of the Delhi Rent Control Act, 1958, the legal representatives of a deceased landlord can initiate and continue proceedings for recovery of possession. The Court clarified that 'landlord' refers to anyone entitled to receive rent at the time of the tenancy's expiration, and the death of the landlord does not affect the tenant's obligation to vacate. The Court emphasized that Section 21 is a self-contained code that mandates restoration of possession without inquiry if the permission is not challenged, thus upholding the right to vacant possession as absolute.