Person Can’t be Deprived of Right to Livelihood Solely Due to Old Age: Delhi HC

The Delhi High Court has remarked that a person cannot be deprived of the right to livelihood and dignity solely due to old age and poor health, as it upheld an order mandating the eviction of a tenant from a property needed by the landlord for business purposes.

The court dismissed the tenant’s argument regarding the landlord’s age and health, asserting that doubts cannot overshadow the bona fides of the landlord’s requirement.

The Judge

Justice Girish Kathpalia emphasized that old age and frail health do not automatically negate the need for premises to conduct business or earn a livelihood.

Highlighting that there was no evidence suggesting the landlord was bedridden or financially dependent on his son’s business, the court reaffirmed that age and health should not impede one’s right to livelihood and dignity.

The Case

The landlord, claiming ownership of a shop in Paharganj, sought eviction of the tenant, citing the necessity to use the premises for business purposes due to the lack of suitable alternative accommodation.

The court noted the surrender of a plot in Bawana due to distance and age-related constraints, but clarified that this did not imply an inability to conduct business from the subject premises.

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