In Brief
The appellants, as tenants in a Delhi shop, sought leave to contest an eviction application filed by respondent No. 1, who claimed to be the adopted son of the original owner and landlord. The Rent Controlling Authority and High Court dismissed the leave application. The Supreme Court held that where a tenant raises prima facie grounds that, if accepted, could defeat the eviction claim—such as challenging the landlord's ownership, disputing the landlord-tenant relationship, or showing availability of alternative accommodation—the tenant is entitled to leave to contest eviction proceedings on merits. The court should not examine substantive merits at this stage. The appeal was allowed and the case was restored for disposal on merits before the Rent Controlling Authority.
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