Tenants associations across Mumbai are urging the chief minister and housing minister to appoint senior counsel and a reputable solicitor firm to advocate for the Maharashtra Rent Control Act, 1999, and Chapter VIII of the MHADA Act before the Supreme Court. The Property Owners Association and other stakeholders have challenged the constitutional validity of these acts since 2000, with a crucial hearing scheduled for February 6. Tenants fear a ruling in favour of property owners could jeopardize rent control in Maharashtra, potentially allowing arbitrary rents and evictions. Political leaders, including Mumbai's guardian minister and BJP representatives, pledge to address tenant concerns and protect their interests.
In a concerted effort, tenants associations throughout Mumbai have penned letters to the chief minister and housing minister, pressing for the appointment of senior counsel and a reputable solicitor firm to advocate for the Maharashtra Rent Control Act, 1999, and Chapter VIII of the MHADA Act before the Supreme Court.
The Property Owners Association, representing landlords, and other stakeholders have lodged cases challenging the constitutional validity of the Rent Control Act and Chapter VIII A of the MHADA Act, a legal battle ongoing since 2000. The hearing, scheduled for February 6 before a nine-judge bench, carries profound implications for millions of tenants in Mumbai and Maharashtra, warns Pravin Jain, vice president of the JVPD Tenants and Residents Association.
Vidula Warawdekar, a South Mumbai resident residing in a tenanted building, voiced concerns that a favourable outcome for the petitioners could dismantle rent control in Maharashtra, potentially enabling landlords to impose arbitrary rents or evict tenants at will. On the other hand, a dismissal of the petitions would ensure tenant protection, according to Warawdekar.
In a formal letter to Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, tenants seek a commitment to safeguard their rights, considering the historical context of rent control in the state and the traditional 'Pugree' payments made by tenants.
Mumbai's guardian minister and BIP MLA from Malabar Hill, Mangal Prabhat Lodha, pledged to convey tenant concerns to the CM and deputy CMs. Lodha expressed intentions to hold a meeting with tenants to grasp their issues, emphasizing a commitment to protect both tenants and landlords' interests through the redevelopment of old and dilapidated buildings.
Ashish Shelar, BJP Mumbai unit president, declared plans to convene a meeting with tenants ahead of the state legislature's winter session beginning on December 7. Shelar affirmed the party's stance to champion tenants' interests, vowing to pursue the matter with the government and, if necessary, formulate legislation to safeguard tenants if legal avenues fall short.
Varsha Gaikwad, president of the Mumbai Regional Congress Committee, affirmed the party's unwavering support for tenants in this critical legal battle.
This story was earlier published in ET Realty
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