IN THE HIGH COURT FOR THE STATES OF PUNJAB AND HARYANA AT CHANDIGARH. C.W.P. No. 7327 of 2010. [O&M] Date of Decision: 13th September, 2010. Jatinder Singh Petitioner through Mr. Sunil Agnihotri, Advocate Versus State of Punjab & Ors. Respondents through Mr. H.S.Brar, Addl.AG, Punjab. Mr. Vinish Singla, 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] The controversy herein pertains to the recovery of arrears of rent along with interest payable by the petitioner for Shop No. 4 at Bus Stand, Samrala which he has taken on rent from the Nagar Council, Samrala and is still in his possession. Vide the impugned order dated 09.07.2009 [Annexure P-2] the Collector, Samrala has directed the petitioner to deposit the arrears of rent along with interest @ 18% per annum. The said order has been further upheld in appeal also. Aggrieved, the petitioner has approached this Court mainly disputing his liability to pay and interest on the arrears of rent. Having heard learned counsel for the parties, I am of the considered view that the petitioner can not seek exemption from interest liability only on the plea that no rate of interest is prescribed in the 'rent note'. Admittedly, there is delay in payment of rent. The fact that the rent note is silent on rate of interest does not absolve the petitioner from his liability to pay the rent on time. In such like cases where the rate of interest is not agreed to between the parties, the defaulting party would be liable to pay interest at-least as per the provisions of the Interest Act, 1978, namely, the interest at the rate prescribed by the Reserve Bank of India at the relevant time. For the reasons afore-stated, the writ petition is allowed in part and the impugned order dated 09.07.2009 [Annexure P-2] is modified to the extent that the petitioner shall pay the arrears of rent along with interest @ 6% per annum within a period of one month from the date of receipt of certified copy of this order. Disposed of. Dasti. September 13, 2010. ( SURYA KANT ) dinesh JUDGE