Mumbai Police order tenant out of flat for first time, with double rent as compensation

Mumbai Police are now stepping directly into disputes between landlords and tenants. Acting under the Maharashtra Rent Control Act, 1999, they have taken action against a tenant who did not vacate a flat even after his leave and licence agreement ended. Using the new powers the law gives the police, they have for the first time issued a clear order evicting a tenant from a flat. The decision is expected to protect landlords' rights and rein in arbitrary tenants.

The case involves Prakash Dinkar Deokar and his wife Pratibha Prakash Deokar, residents of Santacruz (East). They had let out their flat on a registered 36-month leave and licence agreement. The agreement expired, but the tenant did not vacate the flat and kept avoiding handing over possession. Fed up, the landlords applied on October 16, 2026 to the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) of Western Regional Division-9, who is the competent authority in the matter.

The DCP examined the papers and arguments of both sides closely. On October 24, 2026, the DCP ruled in the landlords' favour under Sections 24 and 43 of the Maharashtra Rent Control Act, 1999. The order directs the tenant to vacate the flat immediately and hand possession to the owner.

The most significant part of the ruling is the compensation. From September 1, 2026, after the agreement expired, until possession is handed over, the tenant must pay compensation of twice the monthly rent fixed in the agreement. Those who hold on to premises unlawfully will now face heavy financial loss.

Earlier, landlords seeking to recover possession after an agreement ended had to go through a long and complicated process in civil courts. Under a Maharashtra government notification, all 15 regional DCPs of the Mumbai Commissionerate have now been made competent authorities, so the process is expected to be completed much faster.

Mumbai Police have appealed to the public that if a tenant is not giving up possession after a leave and licence agreement expires, landlords can apply with the proper documents to the DCP of their area, who is the competent authority. The first strict action by the police has sent a strong message to tenants who act as they please.