The Maharashtra government has decided not to go ahead with its controversial decision to amend the Maharashtra Rent Control Act (1999), which would have excluded all commercial establishments occupying over 500 sq ft from protection under the Act that prohibits landlords from levying market rents.

State Housing Minister Prakash Mehta has clarified that no proposal will be moved for amending the Act, BJP Mumbai president Ashish Shelar said today.

The amendment would have deprived protection to those who have taken commercial establishments on rent and also those living as tenants in residential homes bigger than 862 sq ft, under the Rent Control Act. They would have also been required to pay market rates that are demanded by the landlord or could be evicted.