In Brief
Tenants of a gurudwara challenged the validity of the Punjab Religious Premises and Land (Eviction and Rent Recovery) Act, 1997 as violating Article 14, arguing it unconstitutionally discriminates against religious institution tenants by denying them rent control protections available to other tenants. The Supreme Court upheld the Act, holding that religious institutions constitute a separate and identifiable class, and the legislature may enact special eviction legislation for them based on their distinctive character and public purpose. Valid leases and allotments provide full protection; only unauthorised occupants after termination of formal tenures can be evicted. Judicial review remains available through statutory appeals and writ jurisdiction.
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