RADHA KANTA DAS Vs. PANKAJINI DEVI

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This is a Rule calling upon the opposite party to show cause why the order of the Rent Controller should not be set aside. The Rent Controller held that the contract of tenancy was void as the house was let out for immoral purpose and the Rent Act did not apply.

(2.) It has boon argued by the learned vakil appearing for the petitioner that the mere fact that the tenanted house is occupied by prostitutes as sublessees does not necessarily affect the validity of the contract between the landlord and the tenant. With that I agree. There is a finding, however, on the part of the Rent Controller from which it appears that he is quite satisfied that it has been established that the premises have long been used as a brothel and are so still, that there are other brothels in the neighbourhood and the premises were let oat to the applicant for the purpose of continuing the brothel there, the applicant's mother being, according to the finding, herself an elderly prostitute or bariwalli. It is argued that there is no foundation to be discovered in the evidence upon which such a finding could be arrived at. Bat this, I am satisfied, is not so. On the contrary I think there is evidence on the record from which the Rent Controller could have come to the conclusion that he has.

(3.) Then it is also said that suits have been filed in the High Court and also in the Small Cause Court for rent and ejectment upon the footing of a valid tenancy existing between the parties. That to my mind has nothing to do with the present application.