The Cantonments (Extension of Rent Control Laws) Act, 1957 (Act No. 46 of 1957) is a legislative measure enacted by the Indian Parliament to extend state-specific rent control laws to cantonment areas across India. Cantonments, being military-administered regions, required a unique legal framework to harmonize civilian housing regulations with military governance. This Act empowers the Central Government to apply existing state rent control laws to cantonments, ensuring uniformity in rent regulation and tenant protections while respecting the distinct administrative needs of these areas.
The 1957 Act is a pivotal link between civilian and military housing regulations, ensuring tenant protections while respecting cantonments’ unique status. Its retrospective validation and flexible extension mechanism demonstrate a pragmatic approach to legal integration. However, periodic reviews are needed to address evolving housing challenges in cantonments.
The Cantonments (Extension of Rent Control Laws) Act, 1957 (Act No. 46 of 1957).
Cantonments Act, 1924.
Legislative debates and amendments (e.g., Act 22 of 1972)
Uniformity: Harmonized rent control across civilian and cantonment areas.
Tenant Protections: Applied safeguards against arbitrary eviction/rent hikes.
Legal Clarity: 1972 Amendment resolved ambiguities about retrospective application.