Thu Jul 17 10:39:26 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the provided text, followed by a news article rewrite:
**Summary:**
The Madras High Court is mediating a rental dispute between landlords and the Tambaram Police Commissionerate. The landlords claim the Commissionerate initially agreed to a higher monthly rent but later reduced the amount based on a government valuation. The landlords are now seeking vacant possession of the property. The Advocate General argues that rental disputes should go to rent control courts, highlights the landlords’ contradictory claims (wanting to sell versus seeking a higher rent), and denies accusations of encroachment. He proposes allowing the Commissionerate to remain for two more years with enhanced rent, pending the construction of a new facility. The Court is considering a calculation to determine a reasonable rent increase.
**News Article:**
**Madras High Court Seeks Solution in Police Commissionerate Rental Dispute**
**CHENNAI, July 17, 2025** – The Madras High Court is attempting to resolve a rental dispute between landlords and the Tambaram Police Commissionerate, which currently operates from a rented property. Justice N. Anand Venkatesh is exploring a compromise that would allow the Commissionerate to remain in the premises for two more years in exchange for a reasonable increase in rent, including arrears.
The landlords filed a writ petition seeking vacant possession, claiming the Commissionerate initially agreed to a monthly rent of ₹10.14 lakh in 2022, later reduced to ₹6.33 lakh by the Tamil Nadu government. They argue this lower amount is unacceptable.
Advocate General P.S. Raman countered that the dispute belongs in rent control courts. He also pointed to the landlords’ conflicting claims, highlighting their desire to sell the property to settle debts while simultaneously seeking a much higher rent. The A-G further refuted allegations of encroachment by the Commissionerate.
As a possible solution, the A-G offered an affidavit of undertaking, agreeing to vacate the property within two years, as alternative land has been identified for the construction of a new Commissionerate building. He proposed an enhanced rent to be determined by the court.
The court has requested both parties to submit a calculation memo based on a starting rent of ₹6.33 lakh for 2022, with a 10% increase for each subsequent year. This memo is due by July 21st, after which the court will issue further orders. The A-G cautioned that the outcome of this case should not set a precedent for other government offices renting property, as numerous similar disputes could arise.
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