R. Kanthimathi And Anr. vs Beatrice Xavier (Mrs)

The Supreme Court addressed whether the execution of an agreement to sell between a landlord and tenant alters their landlord-tenant relationship. The Court held that the relationship does not cease upon the execution of the sale agreement, as the tenant's non-payment of rent constituted wilful default under Section 10(2)(i) and 10(2)(iii) of the Tamil Nadu Building (Lease and Rent Control) Act, 1960. The eviction decree against the tenant was upheld, affirming that the landlord's acceptance of part payment does not negate the tenant's obligations under the lease.