Illegal eviction without court order

What you need to know

Landlord cannot evict tenant without valid court order. Changing locks, removing belongings or cutting utilities is criminal trespass under IPC Section 441.

Your rights

Remain in possession until court grants eviction

File police complaint for forceful eviction

Claim damages for illegal eviction

Restoration of possession via court

What you should do now

Action first

Act immediately — same day

Call police 100 and report forceful eviction
Take photos/video of changed locks, removed belongings
Send WhatsApp to landlord demanding possession restored within 24 hours
File written complaint at nearest police station

If not restored within 24 hours

Approach Rent Control Tribunal for urgent restoration order
Bring photos, rent agreement, and police complaint copy

Acts applicable

Gujarat Rent Control Act 1999

gujarat

Section 13 — Grounds for eviction

Indian Penal Code

central

Section 441 — Criminal trespass

Specific Relief Act 1963

central

Section 6 — Recovery of possession

Where to complain

Gujarat Revenue Department / Rent Control Tribunal Gujarat Police — File Complaint eCourts — Find District Court

Consumer complaint portal: e-jagriti.gov.in (replaced edaakhil.nic.in as of Jan 2025). Labour complaints: col.gujarat.gov.in. All links verified June 2026 via web search against official government sources.