The Punjab and Haryana High Court ruled that tenants of religious and charitable institutions cannot block eviction under the East Punjab Urban Rent Restriction Act, 1949, by using the Punjab Religious Premises and Land (Eviction and Rent Recovery) Act, 1997.
Justice Vikas Bahl said the 1997 law was created to help landlords act against illegal occupants. It does not give tenants any extra rights. The court dismissed a plea where tenants argued eviction could only be filed under the 1997 law.
The Bench explained that landlords may choose to use the Rent Act. If they do, tenants cannot claim immunity. In this case, the tenancy and rent payments were clear and ongoing. Since eviction was sought on personal necessity, it fell under the Rent Act.
The High Court concluded that tenants cannot misuse the Religious Premises Act to avoid eviction. Landlords, even religious or charitable bodies, can still file for eviction under the Rent Act when tenancy exists.
