Tenants hold on to Ganj properties

THE ADMINISTRATION?S deadline to the 22 affluent tenants of the erstwhile Raja of Mehmudabad, who were given week?s time to vacate their respective premises, came to an end on Sunday. But not a single occupant has complied with the order.

THE ADMINISTRATION’S deadline to the 22 affluent tenants of the erstwhile Raja of Mehmudabad, who were given week’s time to vacate their respective premises, came to an end on Sunday. But not a single occupant has complied with the order.

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Reason: The legal opinion over the interpretation of Supreme Court’s order directing the authorities to hand possession of the enemy property back to the Raja is divided. And, apparently, the well-heeled tenants are also aware of the fact. Not surprising therefore, while some of them are keeping their fingers crossed waiting for the next move from the authorities, others are already said to be in touch with the royal heir apparent to strike an out of court settlement with him.

If sources are to be believed, there is reprieve for those tenants who have been living for over four decades now in the Raja’s property as the latter has reportedly assured them that he would not touch them. The problem is before commercial establishment/shop owners. “They have only two options either they should purchase the property from the Raja or at the least, pay him rent on the prevailing market rate,” said an official.