Mumbai Police Issues First Order Under New Law to Evict Overstaying Tenant

Under a new regulatory framework introduced by the Maharashtra government, Deputy Commissioners of Police across Mumbai have been designated as competent authorities to handle tenant disputes. This change aims to provide swift legal relief to property owners whose tenants refuse to vacate after lease agreements expire.

First Eviction Order Issued in Santacruz

The first ruling under this provision involves a property owned by Prakash Digambar Deodhar and his wife Prabha Deodhar in Santacruz East. The couple had rented out their flat in Jay Co-operative Housing Society under a registered 36-month leave and license agreement. Following the expiration of the term, the tenant failed to hand back the premises, prompting the owners to file an application with the zonal DCP on October 16.

Notice and Hearing Process

Upon receiving the application, the authority registered an eviction case under the relevant provisions of the Maharashtra Rent Control Act. Summonses were issued to the occupants on October 24. After examining the registered documents and hearing arguments from both sides, the authority dismissed the tenant's objections and ruled in favor of the property owners.

Compensation and Directives

The authority ordered the occupant to immediately return full possession and all keys of the flat to the owners. Furthermore, under Section 24(2) of the legislation, the tenant was directed to pay double the agreed monthly rent as compensation, calculated from September 1 until the actual date of handover. Any disputes regarding the return of the security deposit were permitted to be resolved through separate legal proceedings. Following this case, Mumbai Police urged other property owners facing similar issues to approach their respective regional DCP offices with necessary paperwork.