ANSUYABEN KANTILAL BHATT vs RASHIKLAL MANILAL SHAH & ANR.

The Supreme Court addressed the issue of eviction under the Bombay Rents, Hotel & Lodging House Rates Control Act, 1947, emphasizing that 'delay defeats justice' as the landlord's eviction suit filed in 1966 was still unresolved after 31 years. The Court held that the High Court's conclusion regarding the landlord's need for the premises was flawed, particularly as the landlord's circumstances had changed significantly over the decades, rendering the need for personal occupation no longer valid. Consequently, the appeal was dismissed, allowing the tenant to remain in possession of the premises.