Is it Legal to Impose Arbitrary Curfews on Tenants by Landlords?

No, landlords cannot legally impose arbitrary curfews on tenants. Such restrictions infringe on tenants’ fundamental right to “quiet enjoyment” of the rented premises, guaranteed under Section 106 of the Transfer of Property Act, 1882.

Courts have consistently held that landlords must respect tenants’ privacy and freedom of movement within the leased property.

The Supreme Court in K.T. Plantation Pvt. Ltd. v. Radha Krishnan (1995) emphasized that tenancy agreements should not contain unreasonable restrictions.

Arbitrary curfews can amount to harassment and violation of the rent agreement, attracting relief under the Rent Control Acts and the Consumer Protection Act, 2019. Tenants facing such curfews can seek legal remedy immediately.