HC wants timely disposal of rent cases

Allahabad, Aug 2 (UNI) Taking serious note of non-compliance of statutory provisions in deciding rent cases, Allahabad High Court today passed directions to rent control and eviction officers and appellate and revisional authorities to decide the cases within stipulated time.

Passing the order, Justice Rakesh Tiwari said ''if the authorities appointed under the Rent Control Act failed in their duties and decide the cases beyond the prescribed time prescribed under the act, then it will be treated as serious misconduct on part of that officer. Besides, it is to be brought on to his annual confidential report.

The order was passed on a writ petition filed by Mrs Anju Devi of Allahabad, who has moved an application for release of her house in the year 1988, which was allowed after 14 years in 2002.

The appeal of the tenant was still pending and undecided in the court of Additional District Judge, Allahabad.

An appeal under the rent act shall be decided within six months from the date of its presentation, the petitioner said.

The court noted although time frame is provided in the rent act and rules, the cases were not decided for years because of the liberal attitude of authorities in granting adjournment.

''It reflects the inefficiency of authorities in deciding the case before them within the time prescribed by the legislature and law pronounced by the high court as well as by the Supreme Court. Such a behaviour makes them unfit for the service,'' it added.

UNI