Section 20. Cutting off or withholding essential services.

(1) No landlord or tenant by himself or through any person shall cut off or withhold any essential supply or service in the rental unit occupied by the tenant or the landlord. (2) In case of contravention of provisions of sub-section (1) and on an application from the tenant or the landlord, as the case may be, the Rent Controller after examining the matter may pass an interim order directing the restoration of supply of essential services immediately pending the inquiry. (3) The Rent Controller may also levy a penalty on the person responsible for cutting off or withholding the essential supply, which may extend upto Rupees twenty thousand only. (4) The Rent Controller may direct that compensation be paid to the landlord or tenant if it finds that the application was made frivolously or veraciously. Explanation:–– Essential services include supply of water, electricity, lights in passage, lifts and on staircase, conservatory and sanitary services.