In Brief
The Union of India occupied residential flats at Sujan Singh Park, New Delhi, under a 1945 perpetual lease deed. The landlord sought eviction for non-payment of rent under the Delhi Rent Control Act. The Supreme Court held that the Government Grants Act, 1895 grants complete immunity to government leases from rent control laws. Section 3 of the Act ensures that grant terms prevail over all inconsistent statutes. Since the lease deed contained no eviction clause for non-payment, no such right exists. The court quashed the eviction order, holding the Delhi Rent Control Act inapplicable to government grants. The landlord may pursue civil recovery of arrears instead.
The lawyer headnote and full judgment text are available to registered users.