IN THE HIGH COURT FOR THE STATES OF PUNJAB AND HARYANA AT CHANDIGARH. C.R. No. 4339 of 2008. [O&M] Date of Decision: 25th November, 2009. Arun Balkrishan Sharma Petitioner through Mr. Arvind Kashyap, Advocate Versus National Book Depot & Anr. Respondents through Mr. B.S.Bhalla, Advocate CORAM: HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE SURYA KANT. 1. Whether Reporters of local papers may be allowed to see the judgment? 2. To be referred to the Reporters or not? 3. Whether the judgment should be reported in the Digest? SURYA KANT, J. [ORAL) This Revision Petition is directed by the NRI – landlord against the order dated 7.5.2008 passed by the Rent Controller, Khanna, whereby leave to contest has been granted in favour of the respondent – tenant. Notice of motion was issued and pursuant thereto, learned counsel for the parties have been heard at some length. During the course of hearing, it transpires that since further proceedings before the Rent Controller were not stayed by this Court, some effective steps to conclude the proceedings have already been taken. Suffice it to say that in view of the legislative mandate behind Section 13-B read with Section 18-A of the East Punjab Urban Rent Restriction Act, 1949, it is obligated on the Rent Controller to decide such an eviction petition at the earliest and on day to day basis. Though, various contentions have been raised by counsel for the petitioner, it, however, not appear desirable or expedient to express any opinion in relation thereto as it may unnecessarily affect either of the parties at the time of final disposal of the eviction petition. Keeping in view the fact that the Rent Controller is obligated to decide the eviction petition at the earliest, this petition is disposed of with a direction to the Rent Controller, Khanna to dispose of the same as early as possible but on or before 31st March, 2010. This can be ensured by granting limited opportunities to the parties to lead their respective evidence. It is also clarified that the eviction petition shall be decided on merits and uninfluenced of the prima facie observations made by the Rent Controller in the impugned order. Dasti. November 25, 2009. ( SURYA KANT ) dinesh JUDGE