FIRs to be Filed for Unauthorised Subletting Without Landlord’s Consent
In a landmark move to safeguard landlords and clamp down on property misuse, the Director General of Police (DGP) of Tamil Nadu, Mr. Shankar Jiwal, has issued a directive mandating the registration of criminal cases against tenants involved in unauthorized subletting of immovable properties. This decision was shared during proceedings at the Madras High Court, where Justice A.D. Jagadish Chandira took serious note of the growing real estate fraud.
Treating Subletting as a Criminal Offense, Not a Civil Matter
As per the directive, First Information Reports (FIRs) must be filed against tenants who sublet properties without the landlord’s explicit consent, even if the subletting is disguised as a civil dispute. This comes as a response to complaints from landlords who often find themselves entangled in years-long legal battles after tenants exploit legal loopholes.
The court was informed by Government Advocate S. Santhosh that police officers are instructed not to dismiss such cases as civil issues, but to take swift criminal action under relevant legal sections.
₹65 Crore Cheated in Subletting Scams: Data Reveals Scale of Issue
Data presented to the High Court painted a grim picture:
- Greater Chennai City Police: 40 pending cases, 67 victims
- Tambaram Commissionerate: 342 victims
- Avadi Commissionerate: 20 victims
- Economic Offences Wing: 1,020 victims
The collective financial impact of these fraudulent subletting schemes has amounted to nearly ₹65 crore, with several cases dating back as far as 2013.
State Response: Awareness Videos and Media Campaigns
To curb the menace, the DGP has also launched a statewide awareness campaign, which includes social media video messages that educate property owners and tenants about the legal consequences of subletting. Justice Chandira has commended this effort and urged both broadcast and social media platforms to circulate these videos widely.
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