High Court of KeralaDivision BenchDismissed

O.P.(RC) Nos.97 & 98 of 2022, High Court of Kerala at Ernakulam

Case / Petition Number:OP (RC) Nos.97 & 98 of 2022

Case Details & Bench

Court
High Court of Kerala
Hon'ble Judges
  • Anil K. Narendran
  • P. G. Ajithkumar
Judgment Date
2022-05-19
Court Decision / Holding
No interference; Ext.P5 orders affirmed; petitions dismissed.
Final Disposition
Dismissed

Parties to the Case

Appellants / Petitioners

  • Kakkottakath PuthiyaPurayil Muhammad Ali
  • Kakkottakath PuthiyaPurayil Kommachi Shakkkeer Ali
  • Kakkottakath PuthiyaPurayil Cheriya Moidu
  • Kakkottakath PuthiyaPurayil Kommachi Shabeer

Respondents

  • Kakkottakath PuthiYaramBath Mahamood
  • Kakkottakath PuthiYaramBath Moideen Haji
  • Kakkottakath PuthiYaramBath Kunhamina

Legal Representation & Advocates

Counsels for Petitioners

  • • Mathew KuriaKose
  • • G. Gireesh
  • • J. Krishnakumar (Adoor)
  • • Moni George

Case Synopsis & Summary

These two original petitions, O.P.(RC) Nos. 97 and 98 of 2022, arise from eviction proceedings under Sections 11(2), 11(3) and 11(4)(iii) of the Kerala Buildings (Lease and Rent Control) Act, 1965, before the Rent Control Court (Munsiff), Thaliparamba. The landlords filed petitions in 2016 seeking eviction of tenants from two shop rooms, and the tenants faced repeated ex parte eviction orders after absences in testimony. On 01.04.2022, the tenants moved I.A.3 in RC P No.7 of 2016 and I.A.2 in RC P No.8 of 2016 under Section 23(g) read with Order XXVI Rule 9 of the CPC for appointment of a commissioner for local inspection to report on (i) identity of the rooms and (ii) details of genuine possession. The Rent Control Court dismissed both interlocutory applications on 04.04.2022, ruling that the requests were vague and the appointment of a commissioner would not help identify vacant possession. The tenants approached this Court under Article 227, contending the orders were illegal and betrayed the purpose of Rule 9. The High Court held that the tenants had not discharged the initial burden under the first proviso to Section 11(3) and that a local commissioner was unwarranted; it also cautioned against using Article 227 to correct every error. Consequently, the petitions were dismissed, with no costs.

Provisions of Law Cited

Section 11(2) of the Kerala Buildings (Lease and Rent Control) Act, 1965Section 11(3) of the Kerala Buildings (Lease and Rent Control) Act, 1965Section 11(4)(iii) of the Kerala Buildings (Lease and Rent Control) Act, 1965Section 23(g) of the Kerala Buildings (Lease and Rent Control) Act, 1965Order XXVI Rule 9 of the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908Code of Civil Procedure, 1908Article 227 of the Constitution of India

Legal Doctrines & Maxims

  • Supervisory jurisdiction of the High Court under Article 227 of the Constitution of India
  • Supervisory jurisdiction is to maintain efficiency and not to act as an appellate tribunal (Shalini Shyam Shetty v. Rajendra Shankar Patil)
  • High Court should exercise restraint under Article 227 and not correct every error (Sobhana Nair K.N. v. Shaji S.G. Nair; Jai Singh v. Municipal Corporation of Delhi)
  • Interplay between bona fide landlord requirement and tenant’s defence under first proviso to Section 11(3) (M.L. Prabhakar v. Rajiv Singal; Ram Narain Arora v. Asha Rani)
  • Burden on tenant to plead identity of vacant building to attract first proviso to Section 11(3); non-disclosure by landlord is not per se fatal (Vasantha Mallan v. N.S. Aboobacker Siddique; Dineshan Pillai P.B. v. Joseph @ Jose)

Submissions & Arguments

Contentions of Appellants / Petitioners

The petitioners-tenants contended that the Rent Control Court erred in dismissing their interlocutory applications for appointing a local commissioner under Order XXVI Rule 9 to identify the rooms alleged to be vacant and to report on possession. They argued that a commissioner is indispensable to elucidate factual aspects in dispute, and that the application under Section 23(g) read with Order XXVI Rule 9 is a proper instrument to secure factual clarity, especially since the RCPs involved complex sequences of ex parte orders and alleged vacant spaces. They urged that Article 227 power be used to correct a manifest error and that the court should permit local inspection to facilitate just adjudication.

Contentions of Respondents

The landlords contended that the applications under Section 23(g) and Order XXVI Rule 9 were vague and failed to identify the specific rooms allegedly in possession of the landlords, thus dragging the proceedings. They argued that appointing a commissioner would not serve the purpose of identifying vacant possession and would unnecessarily protract litigation. They urged that the first proviso to Section 11(3) places the burden on the tenant when landlord has vacant buildings in possession, and that the pleadings did not disclose such details; hence, the local inspection should be refused.

Cited Precedents (8)

Case NameCitationTreatmentExplanation
M.L. Prabhakar v. Rajiv Singal[(2001) 2 SCC 355]Mentioned OnlyCited to discuss the intermixture of bona fide requirement with availability of other premises, but not applied as a direct holding.
Ram Narain Arora v. Asha Rani[(1999) 1 SCC 141]Mentioned OnlyReferenced for the proposition that the landlord's ability to provide other accommodation interacts with bona fide necessity.
Vasantha Mallan v. N.S. Aboobacker Siddique[2020 (1) KHC 21]PositiveDivision Bench held that initial burden to prove vacancy is on the tenant; non-disclosure by landlord is not mandatory in pleadings.
Dineshan Pillai P.B. v. Joseph @ Jose[2019 (3) KHC 206]PositiveObserved that pleadings must identify identity of vacant buildings; lack of specificity defeats initial burden under first proviso to Section 11(3).
Shalini Shyam Shetty v. Rajendra Shankar Patil[(2010) 8 SCC 329]PositiveExplains scope of Article 227 and purpose of supervisory jurisdiction.
Jai Singh v. Municipal Corporation of Delhi[(2010) 9 SCC 385]PositiveAffirms limited, non-appeal supervisory role of High Court under Article 227.
K.V.S. Ram v. Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation[(2015) 12 SCC 39]PositiveSets standard for interference under Article 227 (patent perversity or manifest injustice).
Sobhana Nair K.N. v. Shaji S.G. Nair[2016 (1) KHC 1]PositiveConfirms supervisory jurisdiction cannot supplant appellate review; interference only for grave errors.

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Extracted Judgment Text

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# **IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM** ## **PRESENT** **THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE ANIL K.NARENDRAN** **&** **THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE P.G. AJITHKUMAR** **THURSDAY, THE 19[TH] DAY OF MAY 2022 / 29TH VAISAKHA, 1944 OP (RC) NO. 97 OF 2022** **AGAINST THE ORDER DATED 04.04.2022 IN I.A.NO.3 OF 2022 IN R.C.P.NO.7 OF 2016 ON THE FILE OF THE RENT CONTROL COURT** ## **(MUNSIFF), THALIPARAMBA** ## **PETITIONERS:** - **1 KAKKOTTAKATH PUTHIYAPURAYIL MUHAMMAD ALI AGED 55 YEARS S/O. C.P. MOIDEEN HAJI, TALIPARAMBA AMSOM DESOM, TALIPARAMBA TALUK, KANNUR DISTRICT, PIN - 670141** **2 KAKKOTTAKATH PUTHIYAPURAYIL KOMMACHI SHAKKEER ALI AGED 43 YEARS S/O. PALLAKKAN UMMER HAJI, EZHAM MILE, TALIPARAMBA AMSOM, KUTTIKKOL DESOM, TALIPARAMBA TALUK, KANNUR DISTRICT, PIN - 670141 BY ADVS. MATHEW KURIAKOSE G.GIREESH J.KRISHNAKUMAR (ADOOR) MONI GEORGE** ## **RESPONDENTS:** - **1 KAKKOTTAKATH PUTHIYARAMBATH MAHAMOOD AGED 74 YEARS S/O. MAMMATH HAJI, NJATTUVAYAL, TALIPARAMBA AMSOM DESOM, TALIPARAMBA TALUK, KANNUR DISTRICT, PIN - 670141** - **2 KAKKOTTAKATH PUTHIYARAMBATH MOIDEEN HAJI AGED 71 YEARS S/O. MAMMATH HAJI, NEAR SIR SYED COLLEGE, KURUMATHOOR AMSOM DESOM,** **PANAKKAD DESOM, TALIPARAMBA TALUK, KANNUR** O.P.(RC)Nos.97 & 98 of 2022 2 **DISTRICT, PIN - 670142** **3 KAKKOTTAKATH PUTHIYARAMBATH KUNHAMINA AGED 68 YEARS D/O. MAMMATH HAJI, NEAR NATIONAL HIGHWAY, TALIPARAMBA AMSOM DESOM, TALIPARAMBA TALUK, KANNUR DISTRICT, PIN - 670141** **THIS OP (RENT CONTROL) HAVING COME UP FOR ADMISSION ON 19.05.2022, ALONG WITH OP (RC).98/2022, THE COURT ON THE SAME DAY DELIVERED THE FOLLOWING:** O.P.(RC)Nos.97 & 98 of 2022 3 # **IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM** # **PRESENT THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE ANIL K.NARENDRAN** **&** **THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE P.G. AJITHKUMAR** **THURSDAY, THE 19[TH] DAY OF MAY 2022 / 29TH VAISAKHA, 1944 OP (RC) NO. 98 OF 2022** **AGAINST THE ORDER DATED 04.04.2022 IN I.A.NO.2 OF 2022 IN** **R.C.P.NO.8 OF 2016 ON THE FILE OF THE RENT CONTROL COURT (MUNSIFF), THALIPARAMBA** ## **PETITIONERS:** **1 KAKKOTTAKATH PUTHIYAPURAYIL CHERIYA MOIDU AGED 40 YEARS S/O. PALLAKKAN UMMER HAJI, EZHAM MILE, TALIPARAMBA AMSOM, KUTTIKKOL DESOM, TALIPARAMBA TALUK, KANNUR DISTRICT , PIN - 670141 2 KAKKOTTAKATH PUTHIYAPURAYIL KOMMACHI SHABEER AGED 34 YEARS S/O. PALLAKKAN UMMER HAJI, EZHAM MILE, TALIPARAMBA AMSOM, KUTTIKKOL DESOM, TALIPARAMBA TALUK, KANNUR DISTRICT, PIN - 170141 BY ADVS. MATHEW KURIAKOSE G.GIREESH J.KRISHNAKUMAR (ADOOR) MONI GEORGE** ## **RESPONDENT:** ## **KAKKOTTAKATH PUTHIYARAMBATH NUSAIBA** **AGED 35 YEARS D/O. MAHAMOOD, NEAR NATIONAL HIGHWAY, TALIPARAMBA AMSOM DESOM, TALIPARAMBA TALUK, KANNUR DISTRICT PIN - 670141** **THIS OP (RENT CONTROL) HAVING COME UP FOR ADMISSION ON 19.05.2022, ALONG WITH OP (RC).97/2022, THE COURT ON THE SAME DAY DELIVERED THE FOLLOWING:** O.P.(RC)Nos.97 & 98 of 2022 4 ## **“CR”** ## **JUDGMENT** ## **Anil K. Narendran, J** . Since common issue is raised, these original petitions are heard together and are being disposed of by this common judgment. 2. O.P.(RC)No.97 of 2022:- The petitioners are the respondents-tenants in R.C.P.No.7 of 2016 on the file of the Rent Control Court (Munsiff), Thaliparamba, a petition filed by the respondents herein-landlords on 08.03.2016, under Sections 11(2), 11(3), 11(4)(iii) of the Kerala Buildings (Lease and Rent Control) Act, 1965, seeking eviction of the tenants from the petition schedule shop room bearing No.TMC XXII/53 in Thaliparamba Municipality. On receipt of notice in Ext.P1 RCP, the tenants entered appearance and filed Ext.P2 counter dated 03.11.2016. 2.1. When RCP was listed for evidence on 01.08.2018, the tenants remained absent and the Rent Control Court passed an ex-parte order of eviction, on 04.08.2018. The tenants filed I.A.No.2269 of 2018 seeking an order to set aside the ex-parte order, which was allowed by the Rent Control Court. Thereafter, when RCP was listed for evidence on O.P.(RC)Nos.97 & 98 of 2022 5 07.06.2019, the tenants remained absent and the Rent Control Court passed an ex-parte order. The tenants filed I.A.No.1834 of 2019 seeking an order to set aside the ex-parte order, which was allowed by the Rent Control Court. Subsequently, when RCP was listed for evidence on 12.07.2021, the tenants remained absent and the Rent Control Court passed an exparte order of eviction, on 15.06.2019. The tenants filed I.A.No.1 of 2021 seeking an order to set aside the ex-parte order, which was allowed by the Rent Control Court. Thereafter, on 11.11.2021, the Rent Control Court posted RCP to 05.03.2022, in the special list for evidence. Since the tenants changed their counsel, the Rent Control Court relisted RCP to 02.04.2022. 2.2. On 01.04.2022, the tenants filed I.A.No.3 of 2022 in R.C.P.No.7 of 2016 (Ext.P3), an application under Section 23(g) of the Kerala Buildings (Lease and Rent Control) Act, 1965, read with Order XXVI Rule 9 of the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908, for issuing a commissioner for local inspection to report the following aspects; “1.ഹർജ�ക�ർക� സ�നമ�യ� ക�വശമ�ളത�� പ�ട�യ�ടത�മ�യ മ�റ��ള� സ�ബന�ച�. 2.എത�ര ക�ഭ�ഗത� ന�ന�� ച�ണ� ��ണ�ക�ന മറ� O.P.(RC)Nos.97 & 98 of 2022 6 ��ര*ങ��� അടങ�ന റ�പ/�ർട� .” In that interlocutory application, the landlords filed an objection dated 04.04.2022 (Ext.P4), opposing the relief sought for, contending that the attempt of the tenants in filing such an application without mentioning anything to identify the buildings alleged to have been in the possession of the landlords, is only to drag the proceedings in the RCP. The Rent Control Court, by the order dated 04.04.2022 (Ext.P5), dismissed I.A.No.3 of 2022. The reasoning of the Rent Control Court in Ext.P5 order reads thus; “It is seen that the matters sought to be reported by the petitioner is the room which are kept locked in the possession of the respondent and other matters pointed out by the petitioner. It is to be noted that this petition is filed when the case is in the published list. The petitioner even has not specified the room allegedly in the vacant possession of the respondent. Further by taking an advocate commissioner will not serve any purpose to identify the vacant possession of the same. That has to be proved by the respondent by other means. The 2[nd] prayer is also not specific. Hence, I find that this application is devoid of merit and is accordingly dismissed.” (underline supplied) 2.3. Feeling aggrieved, the petitioners-tenants are before this Court in this original petition, invoking the O.P.(RC)Nos.97 & 98 of 2022 7 supervisory jurisdiction under Article 227 of the Constitution of India, to set aside Ext.P5 order dated 04.04.2022 of the Rent Control Court in I.A.No.3 of 2022 in R.C.P.No.7 of 2016 and to allow that interlocutory application. On 06.05.2022, when this original petition came up for admission, the petitioners were directed to take out notice before admission to the respondents, by speed post. 3. O.P.(RC)No.98 of 2022:- The petitioners are the respondents-tenants in R.C.P.No.8 of 2016 on the file of the Rent Control Court (Munsiff), Thaliparamba, a petition filed by the respondents herein-landlords on 08.03.2016, under Sections 11(2), 11(3), 11(4)(iii) of the Kerala Buildings (Lease and Rent Control) Act, 1965, seeking eviction of the tenants from the petition schedule shop room bearing No.TMC XXII/54 in Thaliparamba Municipality. On receipt of notice in Ext.P1 RCP, the tenants entered appearance and filed Ext.P2 counter dated 03.11.2016. 3.1. When RCP was listed for evidence on 01.08.2018, the tenants remained absent and the Rent Control Court passed an ex-parte order of eviction, on 04.08.2018. The tenants filed an interlocutory application seeking an order to O.P.(RC)Nos.97 & 98 of 2022 8 set aside the ex-parte order, which was allowed by the Rent Control Court. Thereafter, when RCP was listed for evidence on 07.06.2019, the tenants remained absent and the Rent Control Court passed an ex-parte order. The tenants filed another interlocutory application seeking an order to set aside the exparte order, which was allowed by the Rent Control Court. Subsequently, when RCP was listed for evidence on 12.07.2021, the tenants remained absent and the Rent Control Court passed an ex-parte order of eviction, on 15.06.2019. The tenants filed another interlocutory application seeking an order to set aside the ex-parte order, which was allowed by the Rent Control Court. Thereafter, on 11.11.2021, the Rent Control Court posted RCP to 05.03.2022, in the special list for evidence. Since the tenants changed their counsel, the Rent Control Court relisted RCP to 02.04.2022. 3.2. On 01.04.2022, the tenants filed I.A.No.2 of 2022 in R.C.P.No.8 of 2016 (Ext.P3), an application under Section 23(g) of the Kerala Buildings (Lease and Rent Control) Act, 1965, read with Order XXVI Rule 9 of the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908, for issuing a commissioner for local inspection to report the following aspects; O.P.(RC)Nos.97 & 98 of 2022 9 “1.ഹർജ�ക�ർക� സ�നമ�യ� ക�വശമ�ളത�� പ�ട�യ�ടത�മ�യ മ�റ��ള� സ�ബന�ച�. 2.എത�ര ക�ഭ�ഗത� ന�ന�� ച�ണ� ��ണ�ക�ന മറ� ��ര*ങ��� അടങ�ന റ�പ/�ർട�.” In that interlocutory application, the landlords filed an objection dated 04.04.2022 (Ext.P4), opposing the relief sought for, which is similarly worded as the objection filed in I.A.No.3 of 2022 in R.C.P.No.7 of 2016. The Rent Control Court, by the order dated 04.04.2022 (Ext.P5), dismissed I.A.No.2 of 2022, which is similarly worded as the order in I.A.No.3 of 2022 in R.C.P.No.7 of 2016. 3.3. Feeling aggrieved, the petitioners-tenants are before this Court in this original petition, invoking the supervisory jurisdiction of this Court under Article 227 of the Constitution of India, to set aside Ext.P5 order dated 04.04.2022 of the Rent Control Court in I.A.No.2 of 2022 in R.C.P.No.8 of 2016 and to allow that interlocutory application. On 06.05.2022, when this original petition came up for admission, the petitioners were directed to take out notice before admission to the respondents, by speed post. 4. Heard the learned counsel for the petitioners in the original petitions. The service of notice is not complete on the O.P.(RC)Nos.97 & 98 of 2022 10 respondents. Considering the nature of relief proposed to be granted, completion of service of notice on respondents 1 and 2 is dispensed with. 5. The issue that arises for consideration in these original petitions is whether any interference is warranted on the order dated 04.04.2022 of the Rent Control Court, Taliparamba in I.A.No.3 of 2022 in R.C.P.No.7 of 2016 [Ext.P5 in O.P.(RC)No.97 of 2022] and the order dated 04.04.2022 in I.A.No.2 of 2022 in R.C.P.No.8 of 2016 [Ext.P5 in O.P. (RC)No.98 of 2022], whereby the applications filed by the tenants for appointing a commissioner for local inspection to ascertain the facts stated in those applications stand rejected for the reasons stated in those orders. 6. Section 11 of the Kerala Buildings (Lease and Rent Control) Act deals with eviction of tenants. As per Section 11(1), notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in any other law or contract a tenant shall not be evicted, whether in execution of a decree or otherwise, except in accordance with the provisions of the Act. As per Section 11(3) of the Act, a landlord may apply to the Rent Control Court, for an order directing the tenant to put the landlord in possession O.P.(RC)Nos.97 & 98 of 2022 11 of the building if he bona fide needs the building for his own occupation or for the occupation by any member of his family dependent on him. As per the first proviso to Section 11(3), the Rent Control Court shall not give any such direction if the landlord has another building of his own in his possession in the same city, town or village except where the Rent Control Court is satisfied that for special reasons, in any particular case it will be just and proper to do so. As per the second proviso to Section 11(3), the Rent Control Court shall not give any direction to a tenant to put the landlord in possession, if such tenant is depending for his livelihood mainly on the income derived from any trade or business carried on in such building and there is no other suitable building available in the locality for such person to carry on such trade or business. 7. In **M.L. Prabhakar v. Rajiv Singal [(2001) 2 SCC 355]** the Apex Court was dealing with a case in which eviction on the ground of bona fide requirement was sought for under Section 14(1)(e) of the Delhi Rent Control Act, 1958. In the said decision, the Apex Court relied on the law laid down in **Ram Narain Arora v. Asha Rani [(1999) 1 SCC 141]** , wherein it was held that, the question whether the landlord has O.P.(RC)Nos.97 & 98 of 2022 12 any other reasonably suitable accommodation is a question which is intermixed with the question regarding bona fide requirement, which is a defence for the tenant. 8. In **Vasantha Mallan v. N.S. Aboobacker Siddique [2020 (1) KHC 21]** the question that arose before a Division Bench of this Court was whether a landlord is bound to plead under the first proviso to Section 11(3) of the Act, the availability of vacant building in his possession and seek to explain special reason for non-occupation of such premises, in a proceeding initiated for eviction of the tenant under Section 11(3) of the Act. The Division Bench held that the initial burden to prove that the landlord is in possession of vacant building, if any, is only upon the tenant unless the landlord himself admits any such vacant building to be in his possession. Only when the primary burden of proof in this behalf is discharged by the tenant, the burden shifts to the landlord to show otherwise or that the vacant premises are not suited to his needs. It is up to the tenant alone to take up the contention and prove that landlord is in vacant possession of the premises. 9. In **Vasantha Mallan** , relying on the law laid down O.P.(RC)Nos.97 & 98 of 2022 13 by the Apex Court in **M.L. Prabhakar [(2001) 2 SCC 355]** the Division Bench held that, it is not incumbent on the landlord to disclose in his pleading the availability of vacant building in his possession. The non-disclosure of vacant premises cannot be picked up as a reason or circumstance to doubt the bona fides of the claim of the landlord put forward under Section 11(3) of the Act. It is not obligatory for the landlord to disclose in his pleadings the details of the vacant buildings available in his possession. Nor does the first proviso to Section 11(3) of the Act insists the landlord to plead that the buildings available in his possession are not sufficient to meet his requirements. 10. In **Dineshan Pillai P.B. v. Joseph @ Jose [2019 (3) KHC 206]** a Division Bench of this Court was dealing with a case in which one of the contentions of the tenant was that, the landlord has several other vacant buildings of his own, in his possession, to start the proposed business. The Division Bench noticed that, the pleadings are very vague with respect to the first proviso to Section 11(3) of the Act. It is stated that the landlord has several other buildings. No particular vacant room has been identified or pointed out in the pleadings. The O.P.(RC)Nos.97 & 98 of 2022 14 Division Bench opined that, it is obligatory on the part of the tenant to plead and prove the identity of the vacant building in the possession of the landlord. In the absence of specific pleadings, disclosing the identity of the vacant building in the possession of the landlord, it can be said that the tenant has not discharged the initial burden of proof under the first p roviso to Section 11(3) of the Act. 11. Insofar as the first proviso to Section 11(3) of the Act is concerned, the only statement made in the counter filed by the tenants in both the RCPs is as follows; “ ബഷ1റ�ന� സ�നമ�യ� പലചരക��ട ത�ടങണളമന�ളണങ�ൽ തളന ഹർജ�ക�ർക�� ബഷ1റ�ന�� ഈ പര�സരത� തളന സ�നമ�യ� ധ�ര��� ഒഴ�ഞമ�റ��ൾ പനര�ട� ക�വശത�ല�മ�ണ�.”. 12. In the affidavits filed in support of the interlocutory applications for appointing a commissioner for local inspection, the tenants have stated as follows; “ ഹർജ�ക�ർ ക�വശത�ൽ ധ�ര��� മ�റ��ൾ ഒഴ�ഞ� ��ടക�ന�ണ�. ആയത� ളത��യ�പകണത�പലക�യ� പമൽ നമ�ബറ�ൽ ഒര� �മ1ഷണളറ ന�ശയ�ച� ഹർജ� പട�� വസ@� സ�ത� ളചയ�ന സലവ�� അത�ന�ളറ പര�സരത�ള മ�റ����� പര�പശ�ദ�ച� റ�പ/�ർട� ളചയ@ ��പടണത�ണ�.” 13. In Ext.P2 counter, the tenant has stated that the landlord and her husband have several other vacant buildings O.P.(RC)Nos.97 & 98 of 2022 15 in the locality for starting a provision store. No particular vacant room, allegedly in possession of the landlord or her husband, has been identified or pointed out in Ext.P2 counter filed in the RCPs. It is obligatory on the part of the tenant to plead and prove the identity of the vacant building in the possession of the landlord, in order to attract the first proviso to Section 11(3) of the Act. Therefore, in the absence of specific pleadings in Ext.P2 counter disclosing the identity of any vacant building in the possession of the landlord, it can only be said that the tenant has not discharged the initial burden of proof under the first proviso to Section 11(3) of the Act. 14. Order XXVI, Rule 9 of the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 deals with commissions to make local investigations. As per Rule 9, in any suit in which the court deems a local investigation to be requisite or proper for the purpose of elucidating any matter in dispute, or of ascertaining the market-value of any property, or the amount of any mesne profits or damages or annual net profits, the court may issue a commission to such person as it thinks fit directing him to make such investigation and to report thereon to the court. O.P.(RC)Nos.97 & 98 of 2022 16 15. It is clear from the provisions under Order XXVI, Rule 9 of the Code that, the court can appoint a commission for local inspection only when it finds that a local inspection by the commission is required for the purpose of elucidating any matter in dispute or for any other purpose mentioned in the said Rule. Therefore, in a case in which the tenant has not discharged the initial burden of proof under the first proviso to Section 11(3) of the Act, by disclosing the identity of any vacant building in the possession of the landlord, he cannot be permitted to take out a commission for local inspection, since a local inspection by a commission is required only for the purpose of elucidating any matter in dispute. 16. The learned counsel for the petitioners would submit that the tenants may be granted an opportunity to plead the identity of the rooms in vacant possession of the landlord and her husband. In these original petitions, this Court is invoking the supervisory jurisdiction under Article 227 of the Constitution of India. Under clause (1) of Article 227 of the Constitution of India, every High Court shall have superintendence over all courts and tribunals throughout the territories in relation to which it exercises jurisdiction. O.P.(RC)Nos.97 & 98 of 2022 17 17 In **Shalini Shyam Shetty v. Rajendra Shankar Patil [(2010) 8 SCC 329]** the Apex Court, while analysing the scope and ambit of the power of superintendence under Article 227 of the Constitution, held that the object of superintendence, both administrative and judicial, is to maintain efficiency, smooth and orderly functioning of the entire machinery of justice in such a way as it does not bring it into any disrepute. The power of interference under Article 227 is to be kept to the minimum to ensure that the wheel of justice does not come to a halt and the fountain of justice remains pure and unpolluted in order to maintain public confidence in the functioning of the tribunals and courts subordinate to the High Court. 18. In **Jai Singh v. Municipal Corporation of Delhi [(2010) 9 SCC 385]** , while considering the nature and scope of the powers under Article 227 of the Constitution of India, the Apex Court held that, undoubtedly the High Court, under Article 227 of the Constitution, has the jurisdiction to ensure that all subordinate courts, as well as statutory or quasijudicial tribunals exercise the powers vested in them, within the bounds of their authority. The High Court has the power O.P.(RC)Nos.97 & 98 of 2022 18 and the jurisdiction to ensure that they act in accordance with the well-established principles of law. The exercise of jurisdiction must be within the well-recognised constraints. It cannot be exercised like a 'bull in a china shop', to correct all errors of the judgment of a court or tribunal, acting within the limits of its jurisdiction. This correctional jurisdiction can be exercised in cases where orders have been passed in grave dereliction of duty or in flagrant abuse of fundamental principles of law or justice. 19. In **K.V.S. Ram v. Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation [(2015) 12 SCC 39]** the Apex Court held that, in exercise of the power of superintendence under Article 227 of the Constitution of India, the High Court can interfere with the order of the court or tribunal only when there has been a patent perversity in the orders of the tribunal and courts subordinate to it or where there has been gross and manifest failure of justice or the basic principles of natural justice have been flouted. 20. In **Sobhana Nair K.N. v. Shaji S.G. Nair [2016 (1) KHC 1]** a Division Bench of this Court held that, the law is well settled by a catena of decisions of the Apex Court that O.P.(RC)Nos.97 & 98 of 2022 19 in proceedings under Article 227 of the Constitution of India, this Court cannot sit in appeal over the findings recorded by the lower court or tribunal and the jurisdiction of this Court is only supervisory in nature and not that of an appellate court. Therefore, no interference under Article 227 of the Constitution is called for, unless this Court finds that the lower court or tribunal has committed a manifest error, or the reasoning is palpably perverse or patently unreasonable, or the decision of the lower court or tribunal is in direct conflict with settled principles of law. 21. In view of the law laid down in the decisions referred to supra, the High Court in exercise of its supervisory jurisdiction under Article 227 of the Constitution of India cannot sit in appeal over the findings recorded by a lower court or tribunal. The supervisory jurisdiction cannot be exercised to correct all errors of the order or judgment of a lower court or tribunal, acting within the limits of its jurisdiction. The correctional jurisdiction under Article 227 can be exercised only in a case where the order or judgment of a lower court or tribunal has been passed in grave dereliction of duty or in flagrant violation of the fundamental principles of law or O.P.(RC)Nos.97 & 98 of 2022 20 justice. Therefore, no interference under Article 227 is called for, unless the High Court finds that the lower court or tribunal has committed a manifest error, or the reasoning is palpably perverse or patently unreasonable, or the decision of the lower court or tribunal is in direct conflict with settled principles of law or where there has been gross and manifest failure of justice or the basic principles of natural justice have been flouted. 22. In such circumstances, we find no reason to interfere with the order of the Rent Control Court dated 04.04.2022 in I.A.No.3 of 2022 in R.C.P.No.7 of 2016 [Ext.P5 order in O.P.(RC)No.97 of 2022] and the order in I.A.No.2 of 2022 in R.C.P.No.8 of 2016 [Ext.P5 order in O.P.(RC)No.98 of 2022]. In the result, these original petitions fail and they are accordingly dismissed. No order as to cost. Sd/- ## **ANIL K. NARENDRAN JUDGE** Sd/- ## **P.G. AJITHKUMAR** ## **JUDGE** **yd** O.P.(RC)Nos.97 & 98 of 2022 21 ## **APPENDIX OF OP (RC) 97/2022** **PETITIONER EXHIBITS Exhibit P1 TRUE COPY OF THE PETITION IN R.C.P. NO. 7 OF 2016 ON THE FILES OF THE RENT CONTROL (MUNSIFF'S) COURT, TALIPARAMBA Exhibit P2 TRUE COPY OF THE COUNTER STATEMENT IN R.C.P. NO. 7 OF 2016 ON THE FILES OF THE RENT CONTROL (MUNSIFF'S) COURT, TALIPARAMBA** **Exhibit P3 TRUE COPY OF THE AFFIDAVIT AND APPLICATION IN I.A. NO.3 OF 2022 IN R.C.P. NO. 7 OF 2016 ON THE FILES OF THE RENT CONTROL (MUNSIFF'S) COURT, TALIPARAMBA** **Exhibit P4 TRUE COPY OF THE COUNTER STATEMENT IN I.A. NO.3 OF 2022 IN R.C.P. NO. 7 OF 2016 ON THE FILES OF THE RENT CONTROL (MUNSIFF'S) COURT, TALIPARAMBA Exhibit P5 TRUE COPY OF THE ORDER DATED 04.04.2022 IN I.A. NO.3 OF 2022 IN R.C.P. NO. 7 OF 2016 ON THE FILES OF THE RENT CONTROL (MUNSIFF'S) COURT, TALIPARAMBA** O.P.(RC)Nos.97 & 98 of 2022 22 ## **APPENDIX OF OP (RC) 98/2022** ## **PETITIONER EXHIBITS** **Exhibit P1 TRUE COPY OF THE PETITION IN R.C.P. NO. 8 OF 2016 ON THE FILES OF THE RENT CONTROL (MUNSIFF'S) COURT, TALIPARAMBA Exhibit P2 TRUE COPY OF THE COUNTER STATEMENT IN R.C.P. NO. 8 OF 2016 ON THE FILES OF THE RENT CONTROL (MUNSIFF'S) COURT, TALIPARAMBA Exhibit P3 TRUE COPY OF THE AFFIDAVIT AND APPLICATION IN I.A. NO.2 OF 2022 IN R.C.P. NO. 8 OF 2016 ON THE FILES OF THE RENT CONTROL (MUNSIFF'S) COURT, TALIPARAMBA Exhibit P4 TRUE COPY OF THE COUNTER STATEMENT IN I.A. NO.2 OF 2022 IN R.C.P. NO. 8 OF 2016 ON THE FILES OF THE RENT CONTROL (MUNSIFF'S) COURT, TALIPARAMBA Exhibit P5 TRUE COPY OF THE ORDER DATED 04.04.2022 IN I.A. NO.2 OF 2022 IN R.C.P. NO. 8 OF 2016 ON THE FILES OF THE RENT CONTROL (MUNSIFF'S) COURT, TALIPARAMBA** ## **RESPONDENT'S EXHIBITS:NIL** ## **TRUE COPY** **P.A. TO JUDGE**