Mam Chand Pal vs Smt. Shanti Agarwal

The Supreme Court interpreted Section 20(4) of the UP Urban Building (Regulation, Letting and Eviction Act, 1972), clarifying that the 'date of first hearing' is the date when the Court first applies its mind to the case, not any prior date. The Court held that if a tenant deposits the entire amount due before this date, they are absolved from eviction liability. The tenant's defense was struck off, and the Court emphasized compliance with the statutory requirement for the tenant to avoid eviction.