Tenant Can't Shift Stands By Raising New Or Contrary Pleas In Eviction Proceedings: Delhi High Court

The Delhi High Court held that a tenant cannot take inconsistent or contrary stands in an eviction dispute under the Delhi Rent Control Act. Justice Saurabh Banerjee observed that allowing tenants to raise new defenses at different stages would make eviction matters never-ending. The tenant claimed the landlord had no bona fide need for the premises and relied on a Sale Deed not produced before trial. The Court found the new claims baseless, confirmed landlord’s genuine need, and directed tenant to vacate immediately, reinforcing that shifting positions undermines judicial efficiency and fairness.