Rishab Chand Bhandari(D)By Lrs. & Anr vs National Engineering Industry Ltd

The Supreme Court analyzed the definition of 'landlord' under Section 3(iii) of the Rajasthan Premises (Control of Rent & Eviction) Act, 1950, emphasizing a purposive interpretation rather than a literal one. The Court held that the natural landlord, typically the owner, retains rights despite appointing an agent for rent collection. The appeal was allowed, restoring the Trial Court's decree as the respondent failed to prove authorization to act on behalf of the Trust, thus establishing that the appellants were not in default of rent payment.