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NON-REPORTABLE IN THE SUPREME COURT OF INDIA CIVIL APPELLATE JURISDICTION CIVIL APPEAL NO. 5184 OF 2017

[@ SPECIAL LEAVE PETITION (C) NO. 16585 OF 2015 ] HINDUSTAN PETROLEUM CORPORATION LIMITED       Appellant (s)

                               VERSUS J. DHEVA LAKSHMI                              Respondent(s)

J U D G M E N T KURIAN, J. 1. Leave granted. 2. The only surviving dispute is with regard to the use  and  occupation  charges  for  the  period  between 12.02.2010 till October 2015 by the appellant to the respondent,  after  the  order  of  eviction  till  the property  was handed  over.  The contracted  rate of rent  was  Rs.  5,000/-  per  month.   However,  the respondent-landlord  had,  in  fact,  requested  for fixation  of  fair  rent  during  the  pendency  of  the proceedings.  The High Court took note of the report of  the  Rent  Controller  and  fixed  the  rent  at Rs.1,35,800/- per month.

3. Having heard the learned counsel on both sides extensively, we find it difficult to appreciate the stand taken by the High Court.  However, since we are inclined to invoke our jurisdiction under Article 142 of the Constitution of India and give a quietus to

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the whole dispute, we do not intend to deal with the matter on merits.

4. It is directed that in full and final settlement of the entire claims of the respondent towards use and  occupation  charges  for  the  period  mentioned above, the appellant shall pay an amount of Rs. 30 Lakhs to the respondent.    5. Needless to say, the appellant is free to deduct the Tax at Source.  The payment, as above, shall be made within a period of one month from today. 6. With the above observations and directions, the impugned  order  is  set  aside  and  the  appeal  is allowed.

No costs.      .......................J.

             [ KURIAN JOSEPH ]  

.......................J.               [ R. BANUMATHI ]  

New Delhi; April 11, 2017.