Summarize the following court judgment. Appeal No. 171 of 1958. Appeal by special leave from the Judgment and order dated March '7	 1956	 of the Punjab High Court (Circuit Bench) at Delhi in Civil Misc. No. 249 D of 1956. WITH Civil Appeals Nos. 172 to 186 of 1958. Appeals from the judgment and order dated August 26	 1954	 of the Punjab High Court in Civil Revisions Nos. 243	 274	 276	 277	 281 to 286	 288	 290 and 293 and 295 of 1951. Anoop Singh	 for the appellant in Civil Appeal No. 171 of 1958. Basant Kumar Jaggi	 for the respondent. (In Civil Appeals Nos. 172 to 186 of 1958). A.V. Viswanatha Sastri	 R. Ganapathy Iyer and O. Gopalakrishnan	 for the appellants in Civil Appeals Nos. 1722 to 186 of 1958. C.K. Daphtaru Solicitor General of India	 C.B. Aggarwala and K.P. Gupta	 for the respondent$ Nos: 1 to 4. 949 1961. August 2. The Judgment of the Court 	,as delivered by S.K. DAS, T. These are 16 appeals which have been heard together. For facility of considering them on merits, it would be convenient to classify them into three categories. In the first category fall Civil Appeals Nos. 172 to 184 of 1958. In the second category are two appeals, Civil Appeals Nos. 185 and 186 of 1958. In the third category falls Civil appeal No. 171 of 1958. The appeals in the first two categories arise out of a judgment in revision rendered by the High Court of Punjab at Simla on August 26, 1954. That decision was reported in British Medical Stores vs L. Bhagirath Mal (1). The appeal in the third category arises out of a short order of the said High Court dated March 7, 1956, by which it dismissed an application made by the appellant tenant under article 227 of the Constitution. It appears that the order war, based on the decision given by the High Court in the first two categories of cases. The appeals in the first two categories have been brought to this Court on a certificate granted by High Court, and have been consolidated by an order made by the said Court. Civil Appeal No. 171 of 1958 has been brought to this Court in pursuance of special leave granted by. this Court on November 19, 1956. The reason why these appeals have been put in three categories is this. The judgement of the High Court against which appeals are really directed is the judgment rendered in the first two categories of eases (reported in Messrs. British Medical Stores vs L. Bhagirath Mal (1). That judg ment related to four sets of ' buildings of Chandini Chowk in Delhi. In Civil Appeals Nos. 172 to 186, we are concerned with two of these buildings owned by the landlord Bhagirath Mal, who has since died ,(1) Punjab 639. 950 and is now represented by some of the respondents. For convenience, however, we shall refer to him as the landlord. The two buildings we are concerned with are called (1) Chemists ' Market"	 also known as "Medicine Market"	 and (2) "Prem Building". Both these buildings are part of a colony called " 'Bhagirath Colony". Several tenants took on rent flats or rooms in the said buildings and the question which fell for determination was the fair and standard rent payable for the said flats or rooms under section 7A of the Delhi and Ajmer Marwara Rent Control Act	 1947	 (Act XIX of 1947)	 hereinafter referred to as the Control Act	 1947. In the first two categories of appeals	 the main point for consideration before us is whether the judgment rendered by the High Court on August 26	 1954	 was correct	 the High Court having held that the whole proceedings taken before the Rent Controller were ultra vires and without jurisdiction. 'The reasons given for this finding by the High Court were not quite the same in respect of the two buildings; somewhat different reasons were given in the cases of the two tenants in the Prem Building. Therefore	 it would be convenient to deal with the main judgment of the High Court in Civil Appeals Nos. 172 to 184 of 1958 of the tenants in the building known as "Chemists ' Market". We shall then deal with the special considerations arising in the two appeals preferred by the tenants of the "Prem Building". Lastly	 we shall deal with Civil Appeal No. 111 of 1958 which relates to a different building altogether belonging to a different proprietor	 namely two ground floor flats of a house on plot No 20	 Block No. 13 in Western Extension Area	 Karolbagh	 New Delhi. shall later state the facts of that appeal	 but it is sufficient to state here that the application for fixation of standard rent for the flats in the Karolbagh house was dismissed on the ground that the High Court had held earlier in the first two categories of cases	 that section 7A of the Control Act	 1947 was unconstitutional and 951 void after the coming into force of the Constitution of India on January 26	 1950. Civil Appeals Nos. 172 to 184 of 1958 Having made these preliminary remarks with regard to the classification of the appeals	 we proceed now to state the facts with regard to the first category of appeals relating to the "Chemists ' Market" in Bhagirath Colony. On July 30	 1948	 nine tenants made an application to the Rent Con troller	 Delhi	 asking for a determination of fair and standard rent of the tenements (shops) rented to them by the landlord	 on the ground that under the stress of circumstances which resulted from the partition of the country and scarcity of business premises available in Delhi after partition	 they were forced to take on rent the shops in question on an excessive and exorbitant rate of rent charged by the landlord. They alleged that the premises were completed after March 24	 1947	 and they were entitled to have the fair and standard rent determined for the shops in question by the rent Controller. On August 1	 1948	 the Rent Controller recorded an order to the effect that in order to fix the rent of the shops in question in accordance with section 7A read with Sch. TV of the Control Act	 1947 a summary enquiry would be held on August 18	 1948. A notice was issued to that effect to the landlord	 directing him to attend and bring all relevant authenticated records such as plans	 account books	 vouchers etc.	 showing the cost of construction of the building; the landlord was also asked to bring documentary evidence relating to the date of completion of construction of the building. It is necessary to explain here why the date of completion of construction of the building was important. The Control Act	 1947 came into force on March 24	 1947. By section 1(2) thereof	 as it originally stood	 it was not applicable to any premises the construction 952 of which was not completed by March 24	 1947	 and which was not let to a tenant before the enforcement of the Act. Later	 there was an Ordinance (Ordinance No. XVIII of 1947) followed by all Act (Act L of 1947)by which enactment only constructed buildings were brought within the purview of the Control Act	 1947 by repealing section 1(2) of the Act in so far as it affected buildings iii. Delhi and by introducing s	7 A and Sell. IV to the Act. We shall presently read section 7 A and the relevant provisions of Sch. We may just state here that s.7A laid down that the fair rent of the constructed buildings shall be fixed according to the provisions set forth in Sch. Buildings which were completed earlier than March 24	 1947	 had to be dealt with by the Civil Court under s.7 of the Act. Under s.7A read with. IV	 the Rent Controlled had jurisdiction to fix the	 fair and standard rent in respect of buildings which were not completed before the commencement of the Act. Therefore	 the Rent Controller had to determine the date of completion of the building	 in order to have jurisdiction under s.7A of the Control Act	 1947. We have referred to the notice which the Rent Controller had directed to be issued to the landlord on August 12	 1948; fixing August	 18 1948	 as the date for the hearing of the case. On August 18	 the landlord made an application by means of a letter sent to the Rent Controller in which he	 asked for postponement of the case to some date in September. The case was postponed to August 26	 1948	 but on that date the landlord again asked for an adjournment. Then on September 1	 1948	 an application was made on behalf of the landlord	 in which there was a reference to 14 tenants who had applied for fixation of standard rent for the shops in the Chemists ' Market. In this application the landlord stated that he himself had applied for fixation of 953 standard rent under section 7 of the Control Act	 1 947 in the Court of the Subordinate Judge	 Delhi and as those applications were pending	 he prayed that the proceedings for determining the identical question of fixation of standard rent by the Rent Controller tinder s.7A should be stayed. The printed record does not clearly show how and when tenants other than the 9 tenants who had originally applied for fixation of standard rent on July 30	 1948	 had also applied for fixation of standard rent for the shops in their occupation. It is clear	 however	 from the application of	 the landlord dated September 1	 1948 that 14 tenants including some of those who had applied on July 30	 1948 had applied for fixation of standard rent for the shops occupied by them. On November 9	 1948	 the Rent Controller wrote a letter to the landlord in which he referred to some enquiry held in his officer on September 1	 1949 and said:. "On that day you promised to produce some papers to show that these shops were completed before March 24	 1947. As the case is unnecessarily being delayed	 you are requested to appear in my office with all the necessary document at 3 P.m. on Wednesday the 17th November	 1948. It may please be noted that no further adjournment will be possible. Your failing to comply with this notice	 ex parte decision will be given". On November 15	 1948 the Rent Controller again wrote to the landlord that on a representation by the landlord 's representative	 the date had been extended to November 19	 1948 and the landlord should produce all necessary documents relating to the building in quest ion. The Rent Controller again reminded the landlord that there would be a final hearing on November 19. On that date	 however	 the landlord again made an application saying that as there were regular suits for the determination 954 of the standard rent pending in the Court of the Subordinate Judge	 Delhi	 the proceedings before the Rent Controller should be stayed. On November 26	 1948 the Rent Controller wrote to the landlord to the following effect: " 'As you have failed to attend my office personally on the fixed date and your attorney did not possess any information or documents regarding the newly constructed "Chemists ' Market"	 you are now directed to submit your written statement on oath	 duly countersigned by your advocate	 giving full details regarding the date of construction of the said building. Please note that your statement must reach this office before the 3rd December 1948". Then on December 3	 1948 the Rent Controller wrote to the landlord saying that he would be visiting the premises on December 5	 1948. On December 3	 a telegram was sent on behalf of the landlord saying that lie was out of station. On that date the Rent Controller recorded the following order: "These shops were first let out from 1st April	 1948. The Advocate for the landlord was requested to tell the landlord that he must submit his statement in writing (countersigned by the. Advocate) within the next 15 days whether he contends or does not contend that this building was completed after 24th March	 1947. The Advocate for the landlord gave an application asking for staying the proceedings as he had applied to the Sub Judge for fixa tion of standard rent of the premises. He was told that I was not prepared to stay the pro ceedings unless he or his client were prepared to say on oath that the building was completed before the 24th March	 1947. " 955 On December 9	 1948 the Rent Controller again wrote to the landlord to the following effect: " I am in receipt of your telegram dated the 3rd December	 1948. On 19th November	 1948	 the last date of hearing	 your Advocate Shri Jugal Kishore and your General Attorney Shri Kundal Lal were given definite instruction to see that your written statement	 as to when the construction of ' the "Chemists ' Market" was started and when completed	 was sent to me within 15 days. These instructions were later confirmed in writing vide this office No. R. C. 42/ Camp. dated the 26th November	 1948. My instructions	 however	 have not been complied with so far and it is presumed that you are try g to evade the issue. I	 however	 give you another final opportunity and direct you to submit your written 	statement on oath within one week from the receipt hereof	 showing the date of completion of construction of ' your building known as "Chemists ' Market" in Bhagiratli Colony	 Chandni Chowk	 Delhi. Please take notice that your failure to comply with (torn) within the stipulated period will amount to disobeying the orders of this Court and the case will be referred to appropriate authorities for necessary action in the matter. " The landlord took no steps whatsoever to furnish any written statement. In these circumstances	 the Rent Controller passed his final order on January 10	 1949. In that order he recited the facts stated above and ended up by saying that though the landlord had been given sufficient oppor tunity	 he had not made any statement in writing or 956 otherwise and that the landlord was clearly trying to avoid the trial of the issue. The Rent Controller had inspected the building on December 12. 194S and made local enquiries. He came to the finding that the shops in question were completed only in the beginning of 1948. He said: "I inspected this building on 12th December	 1948 and made local enquiries when it transpired that the building (shops) was com pleted only in the beginning of 1948. The very look of the building also confirms this information. On the other hand	 no data has been placedbefore me by the landlord	 his attorney or the advocate to show that the construction of the building was completed. before 24th March	 1947. According to the admitted statement of the attorney the shops have been let out for the first time in 1948 and otherwise too his statement of 19th Novem ber	 1948 shows that the building had not been.completed before 24th March	 1947. No completion certificate or house tax receipts have been produced in support of this conten tion. It is	 therefore	 not understandable how it is claimed that the shops were comple ted before 24th March	 1947. The owner is knowingly avoiding to give a statement himself that the shops were completed before 24th March	 1947. Evidently because he realises that this is not true. It has also not been stated what use was made of these shops till January	 1948	 when they were first let out if they had been completed before 24th March	 1947 as alleged. It is unbelievable that shops like these could remain unoccupied for nearly 9 to 1.0 months after completion. I am	 therefore	 convinced beyond a shadow of doubt that the construction of there shops was completed long after 24th March	 1947	 and the fixation 957 of their standard rent definitely falls within the scope of section 7 A of the Delhi and Ajmer Marwara Rent Control Act	 1947(as amended). I	therefore	 proceed to fix the rent accordingly. " After taking into consideration the nature of the construction and the fittings	 etc.	 and other relevant considerations the Rent Controller fixed the valuation at Rs. 9 7 0 per sq. ft. of plinth area for working out the probable cost of the construction of the building. The cost of the land	 he estimated at Rs. '275 per sq. ; but he allowed only one third of the estimate inasmuch as the building was one storeyed and all the buildings in the vicinity were mostly three storeyed. On these calculations	 lie held that the standard rent for all the shops in the building work out at Rs. 335 per month including 10% for repairs but excluding house tax and charges for consumption of water and electricity. A calculation sheet was prepared fixing the standard rent for each of the shops including some shops which were vacant	 oil the aforesaid ' basis. The calculation sheet showed that the standard rent of 18 	shops in the building varied from Rs. 10 per month to Rs. 50 per month. Against the order of the Rent Controller dated January 10	 1949	 nineteen appeals were taken to the District Judge. One of the points taken before the District Judge was that the Rent Controller had no jurisdiction to fix the standard rent inasmuch as the building had been completed before March 24	 1947. The learned District Judge dealt with this point at length	 and held that the Rent Controllers finding on the question of jurisdiction was correct. As to fair rent	 he held that though the building was single storeyed	 there was no reason why the landlord should not be allowed the full value of the land on which the building. stood. Allowing full value for the land and having regard to the rent of premises in the neighbouring area the learned 958 District Judge modified the order of ' the Rent Controller and fixed the standard rent of the building at Rs. 670 per month	 viz.	 double. of what was fixed by the Rent Controller. The learned District Judge passed his order on January 15	 1951. It appears that from the order of the District Judge	 Delhi dated January 15	 1951	 certain applications in revision were. made to the Punjab High Court. Most of the applications were by the landlord	 but one of them was by a tenant. These applications were heard together by the High Court. The High Court allowed the applications of the landlord and held in effect that the proceedings before the Rent Controller violated the principles of natural justice and were	 therefore	 bad and without jurisdiction. The High Court	 it appears	 travelled over a wide field and dealt with a number of questions	 though its decision was based on the finding stated above. The first question which the High Court considered was whether s.7A read with Sch. IV of the Control Act	 1947 prescribed a discriminatory procedure without a reasonable classification in respect of premises completed after March 24	 1947 and thus violated the guarantee of equal protection under article 14 of the Constitution. Along with this question was canvassed another connected question viz.	 whether these cases would be governed by the law in force at the time of the decision given by the Rent Controller or by the law existing at the time when the District Judge heard the appeals. It may be here noted that the Constitution of India came into force on January 26	 1950 and at the date of decision of the Rent Controller article 14 of the Constitution was not in force. The High Court expressed the view that the law to be applied was the law in existence at the time when the District Judge decided the appeals. It further held that section 7A read with Sch. IV of the Control Act	 1947 was violative of the guarantee of equal protection 959 of laws under article 14 of the Constitution	 there being no rational nexus between the classification made regarding premises old and new and the objects of the statute. Having given these two findings	 the High Court said	 however	 that it would prefer not to base its judgment on these findings	 because to do so might be giving retrospective effect to the Constitution. The High Court then went	 on to consider the further contention urged before it that in the proceedings before the Rent Controller there was a violation of the principles of natural justice inasmuch as all recognised principles governing tribunals which exercise quasi judicial powers or follow a procedure subserving the orderly administration of justice had been. disregarded. On this point the learned Judge	 delivering the judgment of the Court	 expressed himself as follows "In the present case no 'evidence as to rent was called from the parties or recorded by the ' Controller nor was any opportunity afforded to the parties to adduce such or any evidence which they considered necessary to submit. The Controller made private enquiries and his order shows that he has based his decision on the cost of the building which he himself calculated without allowing the petitioner an opportunity to show that such calculation was wrong or its basis erroneous. Of course	 there is no procedure prescribed by the Schedule and whatever procedure was followed does not subserve the orderly administration of justice. So that the	 determination is based oil private enquiries	 unchecked calculations and no evidence of the parties who were afforded no opportunity of proving their respective cases. " With regard to the flats in 'Prem Building 'a farther ground given by the High Court was that they were	 960 not now construction as held by the District Judge	 and therefore s.7A was not applicable for determination of fair and standard rent in respect thereof. We may first dispose of the constitutional point that s.7 A read with Sch. IV of the Control Act	 1947 violated the fundamental right guaranteed under. article 14 of the Constitution. We may 'here read s.7A and some of the provisions of Sch. "7A. The provisions set out in the Fourth Schedule shall apply to the fixation of rent and other matters relating to the premises in Delhi (hereinafter referred to as the newly constructed premises) the construction of which was not completed before the commencement of this Act. The Fourth Schedule 1."Rent Controller or the purposes of this Schedule means the person appointed by the Central Government as the Rent Controller. 2.If the Rent Controller on a written complaint 'or otherwise has reason to believe that the rent of any newly constructed premi ses is excessive	 he may	 after making such inquiry as he thinks fit proceed to fix the standard rent thereof. 3.The Rent. Controller in fixing the standard rent shall state in writing his reasons therefor. 4.In fixing the standard rent the Rent Controller shall take into consideration all circumstances of the case including any amount paid or to be paid by the tenant by way of premium or any other like sum in addition to rent. 961 5 and 6. x x x x x 7.For the purposes of an inquiry under paragraphs 2	 5 and 6	 the Rent Controller may (a)require the landlord to produce any book of account	 document or other information relating to the newly constructed premises	 (b)enter and inspect such premises after due notice	 and (e)authorise any officer subordinate to him to enter and inspect such premises after due notice. 8 to 10. x x x x x 11. Any person aggrieved by an order of the Rent Controller may	 within thirty days from the date on which the order is communicated to him	 appeal to the District Judge	 Delhi. " This very question was considered by a Full Bench of the same High Court in a later decision (see G. D. Soni vs section N. Bhalla(1). In that decision the High Court went into the entire history of legislation with regard to the control of house rent in both old Delhi and New Delhi from 1939 onwards when the second world war broke out. The High Court pointed out that the New Delhi House Rent Control Order	 1939 made under r. 81 of the Defence of India Rules was the first Control Order seeking to control rent of houses in New Delhi and the Civil Lines. From 1939 till 1942 no Rent Control Act applied to the municipal area of Delhi. On October 16	 1942 the Punjab Urban Rent Restriction Act	 1941 with suitable adaptations was extended to that area. Under that Act a landlord could recover only standard rent from the tenant and the term "standard rent ' was defined as meaning the	 rent at (1) A I.R. 1959 Punj. 381. 962 which the premises were let on January 1	 1939 and if not so	 the rent at which the were last let. In cases not governed entirely by this definition	 the Court was given the power to fix standard rent. In 1944 the then Governor General promulgated the Delhi Rent Control Ordinance	 1944. Under this Ordinance the Chief Commissioner could apply it to any area within the Province of Delhi and whenever the Ordinance was made applicable to any area	 the Punjab Urban Rent Restriction Act	 1941 ceased to be operative. In the Ordinance also standard rent was defined substantially in the same terms as in the Punjab Act. The Central legislature then enacted the Control Act	 1947 which repealed the Punjab Act as extended to Delhi and also the Rent Control Order of 1939 and the 1944 Ordinance. By s.1(2) the Act	 was made inapplicable to any premises the construction of which was not completed by March 24	 1947 and under s.7 of the Control Act	 1947	 at Court in case of dispute had to determine the standard rent on the principles set forth in the Second Schedule. We have already stated earlier that s.1 (2) of the Control Act	 1947 was later repealed (so far as	 it affected buildings in Delhi)	 and newly constructed buildings were brought within the purview of the Control Act	 1947 by introducing s.7A and Schedule	 IV to it. From this brief survey of the legislative history of the control of rent of premises situated in the Province of Delhi	 it is clear that the Control Act	 1947 brought about uniformity in the law relating to rent control by laying down that the standard rent of newly constructed premises shall be fixed by the Rent Controller while the Court will fix the standard rent in respect of other premises. There is no doubt that a classification was made between premises the construction of which was	 completed before March 24	 1947 and those the construction of which was completed after that date. The question is whether this classification is based on 963 intelligible differentia having a rational nexus with the objects of the statute. Dealing with this question Bishan Narain	 J. delivering the judgment of of Full Bench said: 'The learned counsel for the landlord challenged the validity of these provisions on the grounds (1) that there is no reasonable basis for fixing the standard rent of newly constructed premises differently on a different principle from the principle on which standard rent is fixed for old buildings in the same locality and (2) that there is no reason for discriminating against the landlords of newly constructed buildings by laying down that their standard rent shall be fixed by Rent Controllers appointed by the Central Government while the standard rent of other buildings is to he fixed by courts of law which are bound to follow procedure laid down in the the Civil Procedure It is urged that the Rent Controller is not bound by any procedures laid down by the Civil Procedure Code or the Punjab Courts Act. x x x Section 7 says that the standard rent shall be determined in accordance with the principles set forth in the Second Schedule. The Second Schedule fixes basic rent as determined tinder the Control Order of 1939 or under the 1944 Ordinance and in other cases the contractual rent on 1 11 1939 or if not on that day then on the date first let after 1 11 1939. The standard rent thus fixed is to be increased by certain percentage specified in the Schedule. If the premises were let after 2 6 1944 then the basic rent and the standard rent were to be the same. Obviously this principle for fixation of standard rent could not possibly have any application to premises constructed and let after 964 24 3 1947. Section 7 then proceeds. to lay down that if for any reason it is not possible to determine the standard rent of any premises set forth in the Second Schedule then the courts shall determine it having "regard to the standard rent of similar premises in the same locality and other relevant considerations". Para 4 of Schedule IV lays down In fixing the standard rent the Rent Controller shall take into consideration all the circumstances of the case including any amount paid or to be paid by the tenant by way of premium or any other like sum in addition to rent. ' It was argued on behalf of the landlord that the critera laid down in s.7(2) and para 4 of Schedule IV of the Act is substantially different and that there is no valid reason for such a differentiation. He urgent that the Rent Controller (1) may ignore the standard rent of similar premises in the same locality while he is under an obligation to take into consideration any amount Paid or agreed to be paid by the tenant by way of premium etc. in addition to rent and that the Rent Controller (2) cannot interfere with the agreed rent unless he finds it excessive and in that he can only reduce the rent fixed between the parties and cannot increase it. It; is urged that under section 7(2) it is open to the Court to increase the standard rent and also not to take into consideration any amount paid by the tenant as premium in addition to rent. Now the Rent Controller is enjoined by para 4 to take into consideration all the circumstances of the case when fixing standard rent. It is not understood how a Rent Controller can omit to consider the standard rent of similar premises in the same locality. This is obviously a relevant consideration though para 4 does not specifically mention it. It is true that this criteria has been 965 specifically mentioned in s.7(2)of the Act and has not been so mentioned in s.7A.but. this circumstance cannot lead to the inference that it is open to the Rent Controller to ignore it. The words of para 4 are in fact as.wide in effect as the words used in s.7(2) of the Act. In this context it must not be forgotten that if such a mistake is made by the Rent Controller then the aggrieved party (may he be landlord or the tenant) can appeal to the District Judge whose powers are co extensive with those of the Rent Controller and who can set right any mistake made by the Rent Controller. I am	 therefore	 of the opinion that the criterion laid down for fixation of standard rent in s.7(2) and para 4 is substantially the same in scope and is not different. x x x x x Undoubtedly under Schedule: IV the Rent Controller can fix standard rent only if he finds that the rent agreed upon between the parties is excessive. This provision is to protect the landlord from frivolous applica tions by tenants and it is not clear why a landlord should object to this provision. The reason for this provision is intelligible. It is. well known that rents in Delhi prior to 1 11 1939 were very	 low and in some cases uneconomic. Therefore the legislature decided that in such cases a landlord should be. in a position to	 got standard rent fixed at a rate higher than fixed by agreement of the parties in 1939 or earlier. No such consideration arises in the 'case of buildings constructed. or completed after 1947. In 1947 there existed an acute shortaae of accommodation in Delhi and the landlords were in	 a position to dictate terms and	 there fore	 presumably the fixed between the parties were not so low as to require	 in 966 considered unnecessary to provide for increase of rent in Schedule IV. I am	 therefore	 of the opnion that it is not possible on these grounds to hold that s.7 A and Schedule IV are unconstitutional. The learned counsel then brought to our notice two other matters in which the newly constructed buildings have been treated differently from the old buildings. He pointed out that under para 10(2) of Schedule IIV the standard rent fixed by Rent Controller must necessarily be retrospective in effect while under s.7(5) the Court can fix the date from which the payment of Estandard rent would become effective. He further pointed out that under section 4(2) a landlord on making improvements can increase the standard rent by an amount not exceeding 61 per cent of the cost of improvement	 while under para 6 of the Schedule IV the Rent Controller can increase the standard rent in such circumstances to an amount not exceeding 7 1/2 per cent of the cost of improvement. These are	 however	 no grounds for hold. ing the impugned provisions to be unconstitu tional. ' The Delhi and Ajmer Marwara Rent Control Act	 1947	 came into force on 24 3 1947 originally for two years only and s.7 A with Schedule IV were introduced in September 1947. Therefore the standard rent for new buildings could well be fixed from the beginning of the lease. The old buildings were let long before 1947 and	 therefore	 it was considered advisable to leave it to courts to fix the date from which the payment of standard rent would become effective. This is a rational difference. So is the Matter of differenace of return on the cost of 967 improvements. There is no reason for equating the return on cost of improvements of old buildings with the return oil ' the cost of improvements of new buildings. This is a matter for the legislature to consider and this possible slight difference	 in returns cannot be said to be discriminatory and violative of Article 14 of the Constitution. For these reasons I am of the opinion that the criteria for the fixation of standard rent for new and old buildings is substantially the same and does not violate Article 14 of the Constitution and there is no valid reason for coming to the conclusion that the standard rent of old and new buildings of the same type and in the	 same locality would necessarily be different. The first ground	 therefore	 fails and rejected. The second ground also has no force. It is urged that in Schedule TV there is no provision for recording the evidence of the parties nor is it laid down whether the evi dence is to be on oath. It is futher urged that the principles of natural justice have been disregarded by Schedule IV and it is open to the Rent Controller to fix standard rent arbitrarily without recording any evidence. Now para 2 Schedule IV says that the Rent Controller shall make such enquiry as he considers fit to fix the standard rent. x x x x x In fixing standard rent the Rent; Controller decides a dispute between a landlord and a tenant. To do this effectively he has to take evidence and to hold a judicial inquiry particularly when he has to give reasons for his decision. Para 7 is also indicative of such a judicial. inquiry. There is no reason for Presuming and assuming that the 968 Rent Controller would not hold s a oh an inquiry. If he does"not do go then the aggrieved party can always appeal to the District Judge	 Delhi who invariably is a very senior and experienced judicial officer. x x In this context it must not be forgotten that considering the ' recent rise in prices of land	 building material and labour costs in Delhi the standard rent should be correlated to these costs. In the circumstances the legislature in its wisdom has thought fit that the enquiry	 into standard. of new building should continue to remain with the Rent Controllers who can expeditiously decide the matter. In this context it can be reasonably expected that the Central Government will appoint only those persons as Rent Controllers who can use: their own knowledge and experience to calculate these costs. In these circumstances it cannot be said that the differentiation in the procedure adopted in the statute has no rational relation to the	 object sought 'by the legislature. We agree with these observations of the Full Bench	 and we further accept the view expressed by it that the criteria for the fixation of standard rent for both new and. old buildings under the Control Act	 1947 are not substantially different. The minor differences that exist in the matter	 which have been adverted to in the judgment of the High_ Court	 can be justified on the grounds of (a) difference in the. cost of construction of old and new buildings	 (b) difference in the rate of return on investments made in building houses before and after 1947(c) the need to encourage the	 building of houses to meet the acute shortage of 969 accommodation in Delhi after 1947	 and (d) the opportunity presented of charging excessive tent after 1947. Perhaps	 it is also necessary to emphasise again that the provisions in Schedule IV of the Control Act	 1947	 do not give an arbitrary power to the Rent Controller. Paragraph 3 of the. Schedule requires the Rent Controller to state 'in writing his reasons for fixing the standard rent. Paragraph 4 states that in fixing the standard rent	 the Rent Controller shall take into consideration all the circumstances of the case including any amount paid or to be paid by the tenant by way of premium or any other like sum in addition to rent. Paragraph 7 gives the Rent Controller power to require the landlord to produce any book of account	 document or other information relating to the newly constructed premises	 to enter and inspect such premises after due notice	 and to authorise any officer subordinate to him to enter and inspect any such premises after due notice. Paragraph. II provides for an appeal to the District Judge by any person aggrieved by an order of the Rent Controller. These provisions clearly indicate that the power given to the Rent Controller is not an arbitrary power. The power has to be exercised by the Rent Controller on a judicial consideration of all the circumstances of the case. We think that the High Court was in error in the view it expressed that no reasonable procedure is prescribed by the provisions of Schedule IV and the Rent Controller is at liberty to do whatever he likes. This brings us to the main question for decision in these appeals was there a violation of the principles of natural justice in the procedure which the Rent Controller actually followed in fixing the standard rent ? 'We are unable to agree with the High Court that there	 was any. such violation. On behalf of the landlord	 it has been contended before us that in respect of both the matters 970 completion of construction of the building and fixation of standard rent	 the Rent Controller proceeded on (i) private enquiries	 (ii) local inspection without notice	 and (iii) inadmissible evidence. Before we deal with this argument	 it is necessary to say a few words about the principles of natural justice. This Court considered the question in New Prakash Transport Co.	 Ltd. vs New Suwarna Transport Co.	 Ltd. (1). After a review of the case law on the subject	 it pointed out that the rules of natural justice have to be inferred from the nature of the tribunal	 the scope of its enquiry and the statutory rules of procedure laid down by the law for carrying out the objectives of the statute. The mere circumstance that the procedure prescribed by the statute does not require that evidence should be recorded in the manner laid down for ordinary courts of law does not necessarily mean that there is a violation of the principles of natural justice. In Union of India vs T. R. Varma (2) this Court said "Stating it broadly and without intending it to be exhaustive	 it may be observed that rules of natural justice require that a party should have the opportunity of adducing all relevant. evidence on which he relies	 that the evidence of the opponent should be taken in his presence	 and that he should be given the opportunity of cross examining the witnesses examined by that party	 and that no materials should be relied on against him without his being given an opportunity of explaining them. If these rules are satisfied	 the enquiry is not open to attack on the ground that the procedure laid down in the Evidence Act for taking evidence was not strictly followed. " Judged in the light of the observations referred (1) (2) (1958) section C. R. 499) 507. 971 to above	 was there a violation of the principles of natural justice in the cases under our consideration? We have pointed out earlier that the landlord was repeatedly given an opportunity of producing such evidence as he wished to produce. On August 12	 1948 be was asked to bring all relevant records including account books	 vouchers etc. He did not	 choose to do so. He asked for an. adjournment which was granted to him. On September 1	 1948 the landlord again asked for time. This was also granted to him and he was told that the cases would be finally heard on November 17	1948	 He was also informed that no further adjournment would be given. It appears from the record that on September 1	 1948 some statements were recorded in the presence of the representative of ' the landlord. On November 19	 1948 which "	as the date fixed for final hearing	 the landlord again asked for time and time was again granted to him. On December 3	 1948 the landlord was told that the Rent Controller would inspect the house on. Sunday December 5	 1948 between 9 A. m. and 1 P. m. The landlord was asked to be present. On December 3 the Advocate of the landlord was present and was informed that the landlord must submit his written statement in writing within 15 days. The Advocate	 however	 gave an application for postponement of the cases on the ground that certain proceedings were pending before the Subordinate Judge	 Delhi. On December 9	 1948 the landlord was again given one A week 's time to file his written statement and produce such other evidence as he wished to produce. In these circumstances it is difficult to understand how the landlord can complain that there has been a violation of the principles of natural justice and that he had no opportunity of producing evidence or of cross examining the witnesses whose statements were recorded by the Rent Controller. It	 is indeed true that the Rent Controller made some local enquiries when he inspected the building on December 12	 1948. If	 however	 972 the landlord chose to be absent in spite of repeated intimation to him	 he cannot be heard to say that the enquiries were made in his absence and are	 therefore	 bad. To bold in such circumstances that there has been a violation of the principles of natural justice would be to put a premium on the recalcitrance of a party. Even in the ordinary courts of law	 if a party chooses to be absent in spite of notice	 evidence is recorded ex parte and the party who chooses to be absent cannot be heard to say that he had no opportunity of being present or of cross examining the persons whose statements were recorded by the court. After all	 what natural justice requires is that a party should have the opportunity of adducing all relevant evidence and that he should have an opportunity of the evidence of his opponent being taken in his presence. Such an opportunity was clearly given to the landlord in the present cases. If anybody is to blame for the ex parte order of the Rent Controller	 it is the landlord himself. It appears from the order of Rent Controller that the attorney or advocate of the landlord did appear on several dates and even made a statement as. to the letting out of the building in question but. took no other 'part in the proceeding except asking repeatedly for adjournment. The Rent Controller was not far wrong when he said that the landlord was bent upon avoiding a trial of the issue before the Rent Controller on the ground that be had made applications under section 7 to the Subordinate Judge	 Delhi	 for fixation of ' standard rent. In view of the recalcitrant attitude which the landlord adopted the Rent Controller did his best in the circumstances. He took into consideration such relevant circumstances as the cost of the	 land	 cost of construction	 cost of fittings	 the open. area in front of the shops	 cost of repairs etc. The learned District Judge also took in to consideration the return which the landlord could:. reasonably expection his outlay and also. the rent of other premises in the. area. Taking these 973 additional circumstances into consideration	 the District Judge doubled the standard rent which the Rent Controller had fixed. 'It does	 not appear from the order of the learned District Judge that any objection was pressed before him on the ground that in the actual proceedings. before the Rent Controller there was a violation of ' the principles of natural justice	 though in paragraph 7 of the grounds of appeal it was stated that the procedure adopted by the Rent Controller was contrary. to the provisions of law etc. A ground appears to have been seriously pressed for the first time I in the revision applications to the High Court. Some grievance has been made before us of the circumstance that in his letter dated December 3	 1948 the Rent Controller said that be would inspect the building on December 5	1948. He however	 actually inspected the building oh December 12	 1948 as his order shows. Our attention has been drawn to para 7 (b) of So 'IV and it has been contended that the inspection was made without notice to the landlord '. This	 it is stated	 has. vitiated the entire proceedings. This argument might have had some force	 but for the attitude adopted throughout the proceedings by the landlord. On the very date on which the	 Rent Controller intimated to the landlord that he would visit the building on December 5	 1948	 the landlord sent a telegram purporting to be on his behalf stating that he was out of	 station. The Rent Controller then noted an order on that very date stating that the advocate for the landlord gave an application for staving the proceedings. The application was rightly refused by the Rent Controller. In these circumstances we do not think that the landlord can make any complaint that the inspection was without notice or that he had	 no opportunity of being present at the time of the inspection. It is obvious that from the very beginning the landlord had taken up an attitude of non co operation in the proceedings before the 974 Rent Controller. It is worthy of note that even in statement of the case in this Court	 the landlord has made No. grievance that the inspection was held without notice to him; nor did he take any such plea before the District Judge. A further contention urged on behalf of the landlord arises out of para 2 of Sch. IV That paragraph says that if the Rent Controller "has reason to believe that the rent of any newly constructed premises is excessive	 he may after making such enquiry as he thinks fit	 proceed to fix a standard rent thereof". The argument before us is that before proceeding to fix the standard rent the Rent Controller did not bold a preliminary enquiry nor did be record a finding to the effect that the rent charged by the landlord was excessive ; therefore. 	 the provisions of para 2 were violated. We do not think that there is any substance in this contention. In the	 application which 9 tenants made on July 30	 1948 they definitely stated that under the stress of circumstances resulting from a partition of the country and the heavy demand for business premises in Delhi	 they were forced to accept the excessive and exorbitant rent which the landlord was charging from them. On this appli cation a note was recorded by the Rent Controller 's office to the effect that the entire case relating to the fixation of standard rent for the building in question was already under consideration	 presumably because	 other tenants had also made similar applications. The Rent Controller thereupon recorded an order which said that "in order to fix the rent of the premises in accordance with section 7A of the Control Act	 1947 a summary enquiry would be held by him". It is obvious from this order that the Rent Controller was prima facie satisfied that the rent charged was excessive and action was required under s.7A of the Control Act	 1947. The argument urged. on behalf of the landlord really comes to this	 viz. that under para 2 of Sch. IV there must always be ' two 975 enquiries	 first an enquiry as to whether there are reasons to believe that the rent charged is excessive and	 secondly	 an enquiry for fixing the standard rent. We do not think that para 2 necessarily involves two enquiries in all circumstances. In a case where the Rent Controller has a written complaint	 as in these cases	 the complaint itself may give reasons which the Rent Controller may prima facie accept that the rent charged by the landlord is excessive. In the cases before us the tenants had stated the reasons	 which were common to all	 why they had to submit to excessive and exorbitant rate of rent charged by the landlord. It was	 we think	 open to the Rent Controller to accept those reasons as prima facie good reasons for proceeding to make an enquiry to fix the standard rent in that enquiry it was open to the Rent Controller to give the necessary finding that the rent charged by the landlord was excessive. The final order of the Rent Controller shows with out doubt that he was satisfied that the rent charged by the landlord was exorbitant and excessive. We are unable to hold that in these circumstances there has been any contravention of para 2 of Sch. IV of the Control Act	 1947. Another objection taken by the landlord to the proceedings before the Rent Controller arises out of the circumstance that the Rent Controller in fixing the standard rent for the entire building had fixed the rent even for vacant shops i.e. shops which were not in occupation of any tenant at the time. In the final order which the Rent Controller passed	 he fixed the standard rent for all the shops at RS. 335/ per month and in the calculation sheet	 which was part of the final order made by the Rent Controller on January 11	 1949	 three shops have been shown to be vacant. It has been contended before us that the Rent Controller had not jurisdiction to fix the standard rent for vacant shops and the argument is that the way he proceeded to fix 976 the rent for the entire building vitiated the proceedings before him. It has further been argued that only 9 tenants	 six of whom are appellants before us	 applied for the fixation of standard rent on July 30	 1948. Therefore	 the Rent	 Controller had no jurisdiction to fix the standard rent in respect of persons who had not applied for such fixation. It has been contended before us that in six of the appeals before us (viz. Civil Appeals Nos. 176	 178	 181	 189	 183 and 184 of 1958) the appellants had made no application for fixation of standard rent. We take up first the question of vacant shops. It is clear from s.7A and the provisions of Sch. IV that the Rent Controller has to fix	 the standard rent of newly constructed "premises" if the condition stated in para 2 of Sch. TV is satisfied. The word "Premises" as defined in s.2 of the Act means "any building or	 part of a building which is	 or is intended to be	 let separately for use as a residence or for commercial use or for any other purpose etc. " Each shop let out or intended to be let out separately is therefore "premises" within the meaning of the Control. Act	 1947. It may	 therefore	 be correct to say that it was not necessary for the Rent Controller to fix the standard rent for vacant shops. It is obvious	 however	 that for shops which had been let out to tenants the Rent Controller had to take into consideration the cost of the entire building	 value of the land	 the fittings etc. In other words he had to take the entire building into consideration for the purpose of fixing the standard rent of the shops in the building let out to various tenants. That being the position	 we do not consider that the proceedings before the Rent Controller were rendered abortive merely because the Rent Controller also fixed the standard rent for some of the vacant shops. For the purpose of these appeals	 the standard rent fixed for the vacant shops may well be ignored: that will not 977 affect the rent fixed for the shops which had been let out to tenants. As to the point that some of the appellants had made	 no application for fixation of standard rent	 we are unable to accept the contention as correct. It is indeed true that 9 tenants had made an application for fixation of standard rent on July 30	 1948	 but it appears that there were other applications also from other tenants. This is clear from the office note	 to which we have already referred earlier	 appended to the application of 9 tenants. Moreover the application which the landlord himself had made on September 1	 J948 showed that 14 tenants had made applications for the fixation of standard rent of their shops in Chemists ' Market in Bhagirath Colony. Unfortunately	 all the applications have not been printed in the paper book. The order of the Rent Controller shows that he treated all the applications as ' though they gave rise. to a single proceeding	 because they related to the same building. This point which has now been taken before us does not appear to have been taken before the District Judge who said that there were 19 appeals before him arising out of a single order of the Rent Controller fixing rent for 18 different shops of a building belonging to the landlord. In the calculation sheets which the Rent Controller and the learned District Judge had prepared and which give the names of all the tenants the standard rent for whose shops was. fixed	 are shown the names of all the appellants. It is	 me think	 too late in the day for the landlord to contend that some of the appellants had not applied for the fixation of standard rent	 In any view of the matter	 the landlord has not placed sufficient materials before us in support of that contention. We may point out here. that M/s. Narang Medicine Co.	 appellant in Civil Appeal No. 182 of 1958	 did not join in the application made on July 30	 1948. Yet we find from the 978 record that a copy of the letter which the Rent Controller wrote to the landlord on November 9	 1948	 was sent to M/s. Narang Medicine Co. As we have earlier pointed out the very petition of the landlord dated September 1	 1948	 shows that many more than 9 tenants had applied for fixation of standard rent for their shops in Chemists ' Market	 Bhagirath Colony. Therefore	 we are unable to uphold the ' contention of the landlord that the Rent Controller had fixed the standard rent of some of the shops	 tenants whereof had not applied for the fixation of the standard rent. This concludes the discussion with regard to the Chemists ' Market in Bhagirath Colony. In these appeals we have come to the conclusion	 for reasons given above	 that the High Court was wrong in interfering with the order of the District Judge in appeal. We would	 ;therefore	 set aside the order of the High Court dated August 26	 1954 and restore that of the learned District Judge in appeal	 so far as the appellants herein are concerned. Civil Appeals Nos. 185 and 186. of 1958. We now turn to the two appeals relating to Prem Building. The two tenants are M/s. Dhawan & Co.	 and Firm Gokal Chand Madan Chand. M/s. Dhawan & Co. had made 	in application for fixation of standard rent on June 14	 1948. A Similar application was made by Firm Gokal Chand Madan Chand on the same date. In the applications an averment was made that the flats were completed after March 24	 1947	 and that the tenants being without any accommodation and under the pressure of circumstances were forced to accept the exorbitant rent of Rs. 360 per month in one case and Rs. 350 per month in the other. Both of them asked for fixation of standard rent under s.7A of the Control Act	 1947. Both the landlord and the tenants appeared before the Rent Controller and 979 made statements before him. The main question taken before the Rent Controller on behalf of the landlord was that the second floor on which the two flats of the tenants were situated "	as completed before March 24	 1947	 and therefore	 no proceeding in respect thereof was maintainable under s.7A of the Act. The Rent Controller %vent into the evidence adduced before him very carefully and came to the conclusion that though the ground floor and the first floor of the building were old	 the second floor was constructed some time. in August	 1947. He	 therefore	 held that the second floor was a new construction within the meaning of s.7A of the Control Act	 1947 and be fixed the standard rent for each flat at Rs. 96 8 0. The matter wasthen taken in appeal to the District Judge. Again the main contention before the District Judge was that the Rent Controller bad no jurisdiction as the premises in question were not newly constructed. The District Judge dealt with this point in the following way: "The premises	 are two flats on the second floor of a large building belonging to the appellant	 and the rent Controller has found that these flats were constructed after 24th March	 1947. The record shows that the general attorney for the appellant admitted before the Rent Controller that only a temporary construction was in existence on the second floor before 24th March 1947	 and that temporary construction consisted of wooden purlins with corrugated iron sheets and stone slabs on top of them. Subsequently	 however	 this construction was brought down and proper flats were built with reinforced concrete roofs	 and it is in evidence that the first tenant	 who occupied one of the flats	 did so in September	 1947	 and a second tenant went into occupation in January	 1948. It is on. this evidence abundantly clear that 980 the premises or the flats now in dispute were in every sense newly constructed premises and the	 Rent Controller was competent to fix the rent. " It is clear from the orders of the Rent Controller and of the District Judge in appeal that the question whether the second floor was newly constructed or not was really a question of fact	 though undoubtedly a jurisdictional fact on which depended the power of the Rent Controller to take action under s.7A. If the Rent Controller had wrongly decided the fact and assumed jurisdiction where he had none	 the matter would be open to reconsideration in revision. The High Court did not	 however	 go into the evidence	 nor did it say that the finding was not justified by the evidence on record. The High Court referred merely to certain submissions made on behalf of the landlord and then expressed the opinion that what was done to the second floor was mere improvement and not a new construction. We think that the High Court was in error in interfering with the finding of fact by the Rent Controller and the District Judge	 in support of which finding there was clear and abundant evidence which had been carefully considered and accepted by both the Rent Controller and the District Judge. In these two appeals we have come to the conclusion that the judgment of the High Court dated January 26	 1954	 should be set aside and that of the District Judge restored. We may here note that so far as the standard rent fixed by the Rent Controller was concerned	 the District Judge himself noted that the learned advocate for the landlord was not able to find any fault with the assessment made by the Rent Controller. Civil Appeal No. 171 of 1958. We now come to Civil Appeal No. 171. The facts of this appeal are somewhat different. We 981 have already stated that this appeal relates to two flats on the ground floor of plot No. 20	 Block No. 13	 Western Extension Area	 Karolbagh. The tenant	 who is the appellant before us	 took the flats on a rent of Rs. 220 per month including tax on December 15	1950. On May 15	 1951 he made an application for fixation of standard rent under s.7A of the Control Act	 1947	 on the ground that the rent charged was excessive and exorbitant. The application was contested by the landlord. On December 7	 1951	 the Rent Controller fixed Rs. 150 per month as the standard rent inclusive of tax. The landlord filed an appeal to the District Judge Which was dismissed on May 12	 1953. The landlord then filed an application in revision to the High Court and the High Court accepted the application on May 10	 1954	 and remanded the case for afresh trial. When the case came back to the Rent Controller	 the landlord made an application to the Rent Controller to the effect that s.7A read with Schedule IV of the Control Act. ' 1947	 was rendered unconstitutional and void on the coming into force 'of the Constitution of India. Apparently	 this point was taken in view of the judgement of the Punjab High Court dated August 26	 1954	 already discussed in the other appeals. On May 30	 1955	 the Rent Controller held	 on the basis of the aforesaid decision	 that section 7A read with Schedule IV of the Control Act	 1947	 was unconstitutional and therefore the application was not maintainable Accordingly	 he dismissed the application. The matter was then taken to the District Judge in appeal. The learned District Judge who was bound by the decision of the Punjab High Court also held that s.7A of the Control Act	 1947	 was unconstitutional and therefore the application was not maintainable. The tenant appellant then made an application under article 227 of the Constitution to the Punjab High Court. That application was summarily dismissed on March 7	.1956	 982 We have already dealt with the constitutional point as to whether s.7A read with Sch. IV of the Control Act	 1947 is	 void after the coming into force of the Constitution of India by reason of a violation of the fundamental right guaranteed under article 14 of the Constitution and we have come to the Conclusion that s.7A and the relevant provisions of Sch. IV of the Control Act	 1947 are not unconstitutional. That being the position	 the main ground on which the application of the appellant was dismissed disappears and the application must now be dealt with in accordance with law. Our attention has	 however	 been drawn to the Delhi and Ajmer Rent Control Act	 1952 (Act No.	 XXXVIII of 1952)	 which by s.46 repealed the Control Act	 1947. That section	 however	 contains a saving clause which is as follows : "46. Repeals and savings.(1) x x x (2)Notwithstanding such repeal	 all suits and other proceedings pending at the commencement of this Act	 whether before any court or the Rent Controller appointed under the Fourth Schedule to the said Act	 shall be disposed of in accordance with the provisions of the said Act as if the said Act bad continued in force and this Act had not been passed : Provided that the procedure laid 'down in this Act shall	 as far as may be	 apply to suits and other proceedings pending before an Court. " We consider it unnecessary to determine the effect of the aforesaid saving clause in the present appeal. Neither the Rent Controller	 nor the District Judge	 nor the High Court considered the effect of the saving clause. The	 application of the appellant was dismissed on the simple ground that s.7A read with Sch. TV of the Control Act	 1947 was unconstitutional. We consider that that ground is not 983 correct and the application of the tenant appellant for fixation of standard rent must now be deter . mined in accordance with law. It would be for the competent authorities to consider now the effect of s.46 of the Delhi and Ajmer Rent Control Act	 1952 or of any other law bearing on the question which may have come into existence since then. We	 would	 therefore	 allow this appeal and set aside the orders of the Rent Controller	 the District Judge and the High Court dismissing the application of the appellant. The application must now be dealt with in accordance with law by the authority competent to do so in the light of the observations made above. In the result the appeals in all three categories are allowed as indicated above. The appellants in all the appeals will be entitled to their costs	 but there will be one set of hearing fee for each of the three categories of appeals. Appeals allowed.

The appellants applied to the Rent Controller for fixation of fair and standard rent of certain shops and other premises alleging that the rent charged by the landlords was exorbitant. The questions arising for determination were (1) whether the Delhi and Ajmer Marwara Rent Control Act	 1947 in so far as it provided for the fixation of standard rent in respect of premises the construction of which was completed after March 24	 1947 by the Rent Controller violated the fundamental right guaranteed under article 14 of the Constitution; and (2) whether the procedure to be followed by the Rent Controller 'violated the principles of natural justice. Held	 that section 7A and the relevant provision 	 of Sch. IV of the Act laying down the procedure for fixing standard rent by the Rent Controller are not unconstitutional and do not violate article 14 of the Constitution. The classification between premises the construction of which was completed before March 24	 1947 when the Act came into force and those which were completed thereafter	 is reasonable	 and the criteria for the fixation of standard rent for both old and new buildings under the Act were not substantially different. The procedure laid down under those provisions does not violate the principles of natural justice. The power given to the Rent Controller is not arbitraly and he has to exercise it on a judicial consideration of all the circumstances of the case. 948 G.D. Soni vs section N. Bhalla	 A.I.R. 1959 Punj. 381 approved. New Prakash Transport	 Co. Ltd. vs New Suwarna Transport Co. Ltd.	 	 Union of India vs T.R. Verma (1958) S.C.R. 499 followed. In the instant case ample opportunity was given to the landlord for producing all relevant evidence in the case which he did not avail himself of. It was not necessary under para 2	 Sch. TV	 to have two enquiries one for ascertaining whether there were good reasons for believing that the rent charged was exorbitant and another for fixing the standard rent. The proceedings before the Rent Controller were not vitiated merely because standard rent of certain vacant shops was also. 	 fixed in the process of fixing the standard rent for the entire building in which those shops were situated; that would not affect the legality of the fixation of the rent for the shops which had been let out to tenants.