The Gifu District Court on Wednesday dismissed a claim by a landlord who wanted a tenant evicted from his house in Minokamo, Gifu Prefecture, because he is a member of Aum Shinrikyo.

Presiding Judge Kunio Aoyama said, "There is no evidence that this person will commit atrocious crimes, even though he is an Aum member."

Aoyama said the homeowner's unease over the cult member's presence does not constitute a valid reason for canceling the lease contract.

"The defendant is also making efforts to allay the anxiety of local residents by attending events of a neighborhood association," the judge said.