Continuous non-occupation can justify eviction where the tenant fails to prove actual possession or reasonable cause for absence.

Continuous physical absence from leased premises for six months raises a presumption that the tenant has ceased to occupy the building under Section 11(4)(v) of the Buildings (Lease and Rent Control) Act, 1965. That presumption is rebutted only by proof of de facto possession for the purpose of the tenancy, supported by outward indicia of occupation, not merely an intention to return. Occasional cleaning of the room was insufficient to establish actual occupation or retention of possession, and no reasonable cause for the prolonged non-occupation was proved. The statutory ground was therefore established and eviction was warranted.

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Issues: Whether the tenant had ceased to occupy the building continuously for six months without reasonable cause so as to attract eviction under Section 11(4)(v) of the Buildings (Lease and Rent Control) Act, 1965.

Analysis: Continuous physical absence from the demised premises for six months raises a presumption of cessation of occupation and abandonment. To rebut that presumption, the tenant must establish not merely an intention to return, but de facto intention to possess the premises for the purpose for which they were let, supported by some outward manifestation of such possession. Mere occasional cleaning of the room did not amount to occupation or show retention of possession in fact. The tenant also failed to prove any reasonable cause for the prolonged non-occupation.

Conclusion: The tenant failed to displace the presumption of cessation of occupation and failed to prove reasonable cause; eviction was therefore warranted.

Final Conclusion: The revision was rejected because the statutory ground of continuous non-occupation was established.

Ratio Decidendi: Under Section 11(4)(v), continuous physical absence for six months creates a presumption of cessation of occupation, and it can be rebutted only by proof of de facto possession supported by outward indicia and reasonable cause for the absence.

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