The stallholders claimed that the rent had been increased from Rs 15,000 for a 100-sq-ft stall in 2022 to Rs 3,00,000 this year. After they protested, the rents were cut down by 20 to 33 per cent on Tuesday and further to Rs 900 per sq ft on Wednesday after a discussion with Bishop Dominic Savio.

“Though the maximum rent has been slashed from Rs 3,000 to Rs 900 per sq ft, it is still high compared to the earlier figure. Rs 90,000 for a 100-sq-ft stall is still too high and we cannot afford it. Even the new tendering system will wipe out those who have been running these stalls for generations. So now we have decided to meet Cardinal Oswald Gracias at Colaba. Hopefully, he will resolve our issue,” said Rupesh Gomes, who is leading the protest.

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Fr Sunder M Albuquerque addresses stallholders at the Basilica of Our Lady of the Mount, on Wednesday

Fr Sunder M Albuquerque, vice-rector of the church said that though he wasn’t ready to lower the rent so much, he adhered to the decision taken at the higher level. “The rents are already slashed and they cannot be reduced further otherwise it will badly impact the recovery of costs incurred by the church on infrastructure. I hope we solve the issue peacefully and there won’t be any delays in starting the procedure of allotment of stalls,” said Fr Albuquerque. The fair will start on September 8. Every year, approximately 150 stalls are allowed to sell candles, flowers, food and toys on the steps near the basilica.