Gujarat HC: Tenant Can’t Challenge Dilapidated-Building Notice Issued To Owner

The Gujarat High Court held that a tenant has no locus standi to challenge a municipal notice issued to a property owner under Section 264 of the Gujarat Provincial Municipal Corporations Act regarding a dilapidated building. The Court ruled that only the individual to whom the statutory notice is addressed can respond or contest it, reinforcing established principles of administrative law and locus. The petitioner-tenant argued that he should be considered an affected party, but the Court clarified that tenants cannot interfere in safety-related directives targeted at owners unless the notice directly imposes obligations or penalties upon them. The judgment emphasizes due process in municipal building enforcement, delineates the rights of landlords versus tenants, and reiterates that structural stability obligations rest with ownership holders. It also highlights the importance of using proper statutory channels for any repair or compliance request by tenants.