New Delhi (PTI): The civil courts and the rent controller should take effective steps to blunt tenants' bid to make false statements to avoid eviction from the rented premises by their landlords, the Delhi High Court ruled.

In a judgement which would bring hope to millions of property owners in the capital involved in litigation with tenants, Justice S N Dhingra said "the courts must effectively intervene and nip the evil of perjury and false statements."

"Where a tenant takes different stand in different courts to defeat the efforts of landlord to get the premises vacated at the time of need such an effort must be curbed by the courts effectively by binding him with his earlier statement in respect of the same premises and his plea of raising a dispute in respect of the rent admitted by him should not be heard and entertained," the court said.

Directing Aruna Sarna, a tenant in Dwaraka society flat, to vacate the flat within a month to owner K S Patcha, the court observed "the courts and rent controller must keep in mind that the courts can not be converted into a wrestling field for trial of tricks where court has to act as umpire".

"If parties are allowed to approbate and reprobate at their sweet will and convenience and take the courts for a ride, the whole judicial system shall fail. The courts must effectively check such parties," Justice Dhingra said.

The court took a serious view after it found that Sarna had admitted that the rent fixed by Patcha as per the agreement was Rs 3,700 in civil court, but in another case filed before the Rent Controller, Sarna said the rent was fixed for Rs 3,100 per month.

Patcha, a retired CPWD employee, stated that he had rented out his house as he was in a government accommodation and after retirement he sought possession of the house. However, Sarna did not allow him to take possession nor did he pay the rent for months.