New Delhi, Nov. 6 -- In a case involving a dispute between a landlord and a tenant, a Bengaluru tenant has won a consumer court case against his landlord over the non-refund of an Rs.80,000 security deposit after vacating a rented apartment. The consumer commission has directed the landlord to return the entire deposit with 9% annual interest and pay an additional Rs.10,000 towards litigation expenses.

The III Additional Bengaluru Urban District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission ruled that the landlord could not withhold the security deposit without producing evidence of damage to the property or establishing any outstanding rent, utility bills or other dues. The order was passed on September 26.

The dispute involved tenant Vireswa...