The Supreme Court of India has directed the Chief Justice of the Bombay High Court to investigate the backlog of landlord-tenant disputes in Maharashtra and take necessary steps to expedite their resolution. This directive follows a recent case involving Hindustan Organic Chemicals Ltd. (HOCL), which occupied ‘Harchandrai House’ in Mumbai. The legal battle over mesne profits in this case lasted over two decades, highlighting the systemic delays in such disputes.

A bench comprising Justices Sanjay Karol and Manoj Misra expressed concern that prolonged litigation deprives landlords of property enjoyment and tenants of financial clarity. The Court emphasized that delays in adjudication cause hardship to both parties. It noted that while some delays may be due to litigants, others stem from judicial processes, and therefore, the Chief Justice of the Bombay High Court should assess the situation and take appropriate action if delays are widespread.

The Supreme Court’s intervention underscores the need for timely justice in landlord-tenant disputes, which often involve significant financial implications for both parties.

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