RAM NATH SINGLA Vs. HARBHAGWAN DASS

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The impugned order was passed by the Rent Controller on an application made by the tenant for permission to contest the application filed by the landlord under Section 13-A of the East Punjab Urban Rent Restriction Act (hereinafter referred to as the Act). The permission was granted, But, while doing so, the Rent Controller also expressed his final opinion on the question whether the applicant-landlord was a specified landlord within the meaning of that section or not. The Rent Controller was not competent to express any such opinion at the stage of deciding the application of the tenant under Section 18-A of the Act. All these matters have to be decided after affording the parties an opportunity of leading evidence. Consequently, the finding recorded by the Rent Controller that the applicant landlord is not a specified landlord is set aside and the matter is left open to be decided after trial.

(2.) The parties through their counsel are directed to appeal before the Rent Controller on 1st June, 1987.