#West Bengal Premises Tenancy Act 1997

The Calcutta High Court held that Section 7(3) of the WB Premises Tenancy Act, 1997 cannot strike out a tenant’s defence unless rent arrears are admitted or judicially determined, requiring landlords to prove arrears before striking defences.

Calcutta High Court rules that a tenant's failure to deposit admitted rent arrears within the prescribed one-month period under Section 7(2) of the West Bengal Premises Tenancy Act, 1997, renders their application invalid, irrespective of Covid-19 disruptions. The ruling underscores strict procedural compliance in eviction disputes, impacting landlords and tenants under the Act.