Synopsis

A commercial suit for possession and mesne profits was filed by the landlord after terminating the tenancy. The tenant claimed protection under the delhi rent control act, arguing that the monthly rent was below ₹3,500. the landlord had issued multiple notices under section 6a of the drc act to increase rent by 10% every three years, taking the rent above ₹3,500. the commercial court decreed possession and awarded mesne profits at ₹40,000 per month (pre‑suit) and ₹1,20,000 per month (pendente lite). the division bench dismissed the tenant’s appeal, holding that the rent had been validly increased under the drc act, thereby taking the premises outside the purview of the drc act, and that the commercial court had jurisdiction. the assessment of mesne profits based on comparable evidence was upheld, and interest at 9% was justified.

Court: High Court of Delhi at New Delhi

Coram: Hon’ble Mr. Justice Nitin Wasudeosambre and Hon’ble Mr. Justice Anish Dayal (Division Bench)

Date of Judgment: 18th May 2026

Citation: RFA (COMM) 486/2025 (2026:DHC:4397-DB)

Core Law: Delhi Rent Control Act, 1958 – Sections 3(c), 6A, 8, 50; Transfer of Property Act, 1882 – Section 106; Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 – Section 34 (interest); Commercial Courts Act, 2015 – Section 12A.

1. Heading of the judgment

High court of delhi at new delhi

Rfa (comm) 486/2025 & cav 313/2025 & cm appl. 51447/2025, 51448/2025, 51809/2025

M/s cri limited (appellant) vs. Pran nath mehta & ors. (respondents)

Coram: hon’ble mr. justice nitin wasudeosambre and hon’ble mr. justice anish dayal

Reserved on: 28th october, 2025; pronounced on: 18th may, 2026

2. Legal framework

Major laws and provisions involved:

• Delhi rent control act, 1958 – section 3(c) (act not to apply to premises with monthly rent exceeding ₹3,500), section 6a (revision of rent by 10% every three years), section 8 (notice of increase of rent), section 50 (bar of civil court jurisdicti

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