law: Delhi Rent Control Act, 1958 
  4. Rent in excess of standard rent not
  
  recoverable. -
  (1) Except where rent is liable to periodical 
  
  increase by virtue of an agreement entered into before the 1st day of January, 
  
  1939, no tenant shall, notwithstanding any agreement to the contrary, be liable 
  
  to pay to his landlord for the occupation of any premises any amount in excess 
  
  of the standard rent of the premises, unless such amount is a lawful increase of 
  
  the standard rent in accordance with the provisions of this Act
  (2) Subject to the provision of sub-section
  
  (1) any agreement for the payment of rent in excess of the standard rent shall
  
  be construed as if it were an agreement for the payment of the standard rent
  
  only.