The Maharashtra Slum Areas (Improvement, Clearance and Redevelopment) Act, 1971 was enacted to address the growing challenges of urban slums in Maharashtra, particularly in cities like Mumbai, where rapid industrialization and migration led to overcrowded and unsanitary living conditions. The law empowers the government to declare slum areas, regulate their improvement, and facilitate redevelopment while protecting slum dwellers from arbitrary eviction. Key provisions include issuing occupancy certificates (Patta) to eligible slum residents, imposing restrictions on rent hikes and evictions without rehabilitation, and promoting public-private partnerships for slum rehabilitation projects. The Act also establishes Slum Rehabilitation Authorities (SRAs) to oversee redevelopment, ensuring basic amenities and housing rights for the urban poor. By balancing slum upgradation and urban planning, the law aims to transform informal settlements into sustainable housing while preventing further proliferation of slums.