Date:19/12/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/12/19/stories/2006121917350300.htm

Karnataka - Bangalore

It worked for her

Govind D. Belgaumkar

Tenant emerges victorious in a tussle with the house owner

Pratibha Joshi — Photo: K. Murali Kumar

BANGALORE: Hunger strike, if staged in the true Gandhian way, still works. A gutsy woman in the city found this out on Monday when her seven-hour hunger strike had her walking home smiling.

The woman, Pratibha Joshi, 45, was staying in a rented house on 2nd Cross, Patel Bellappa Layout in Koramangala until 40 days ago with her son. She shifted to her own house in Electronics City after giving a two-month notice to the owner, Vijayalakshmi, who promised to refund her deposit of Rs. 33,000 in a few days.

Several trips

She made several trips to Koramangala from Electronics City week after week only to be disappointed each time. She was sent back by the house owner with reasons such as "there is no money now," "my cheque book is exhausted," etc.

Finally, Ms. Joshi, a beautician by profession, was asked to collect the money this Monday. When the owner of the house again showed no inclination to return the advance, Ms. Joshi knew exactly what to do. She spread a blanket on the road in front of her house and launched a hunger strike. She explained to curious onlookers that she was being "harassed" and that she was protesting in the Gandhian way.

The owner was roused into action. She initially promised to pay the money in a couple of days. But, Ms. Joshi refused to withdraw her strike. A councillor, known to the owner's family, arrived on the scene.

Ms. Joshi said the councillor supported her rather than the owner.

As the pressure mounted, Ms. Joshi quoted the owner as having said, "I will give a cheque dated February." Ms. Joshi said she was in urgent need of money and stayed put.

Eventually, the owner caved in and by 3.30 p.m. she had her money.

When contacted, Ms. Vijayalakshmi said that Ms. Joshi had vacated the house within three months after occupying it.

Ms. Joshi should have given her at least three more months to repay the advance. The tenant had not given two months advance notice as claimed.

"She should have stayed in the house for 11 months as agreed," she said. "I did not make her run around for her money," she added.