Ashok Kumar & Ors vs Rishi Ram & Ors

The Supreme Court analyzed the applicability of Section 20 of the U.P. Urban Buildings (Regulation of Letting, Rent and Eviction) Act, 1972, determining that a tenant's timely deposit of rent at the first hearing of the suit is crucial for preventing eviction. The Court held that the tenant's claim of having deposited the rent was valid under Section 20(4), which protects tenants from eviction if they pay arrears at the first hearing. Consequently, the Court overturned the lower courts' decisions and ruled in favor of the tenant, allowing the appeal.