Maharashtra Rent Control Act, 1999
17. Recovery of possession for repairs and
re-entry
(1) The court shall, when passing a decree on
the ground specified in clause (h) of sub-section (1) of section 16, ascertain
from the tenant whether he elects to be placed in occupation of the premises or
part thereof from which he is to be evicted and if the tenant so elects, shall
record the fact of the election, in the decree and specify in the decree the
date on or before which he shall deliver possession so as to enable the
landlord to commence the work of repairs.
(2) If the tenant delivers possession on or
before the date specified in the decree, the landlord shall, two months before
the date on which the work of repairs is likely to be completed, give notice to
the tenant of the date on which the said work shall be completed. Within thirty
days from the date of receipt of such notice the tenant shall intimate to the
landlord his acceptance of the accommodation offered and deposit with the
landlord rent for one month. If the tenant gives such intimation and makes the
deposit, the landlord shall, on completion of the work of repairs, place the
tenant in occupation of the premises or part thereof on the terms and
conditions existing on the date of the passing of the decree for eviction. If
the tenant fails to give such intimation and to make the deposit, the tenant's
right to occupy the premises shall terminate.
(3) If, after the tenant has delivered
possession on or before the date specified in the decree, the landlord fails to
commence the work of repairs within one month of the specified date or fails to
complete the work within a reasonable time or having completed the work fails
to place the tenant in occupation of the premises in accordance with
sub-section (2) the court may, on the application of the tenant made within one
year of the specified date, order the landlord to place him in occupation of
the premises or part thereof on the terms and conditions existing on the date
of passing of the decree for eviction and on such order being made, the
landlord and any person who may be in occupation shall give vacant possession
to the tenant of the premises or part thereof.
(4) Any landlord who, when the tenant has
vacated by the date specified in the decree, without reasonable excuse fails to
commence the work of repairs and any landlord or other person in occupation of
the premises who fails to comply with the order made by the court under
sub-section (3), shall, on conviction, be punishable with imprisonment for a
term which may extend to three months or with fine which may extend to one
thousand rupees or with both.