Commutation and alteration of rent

(1) Where rent is taken by any of the following methods, namely:— (a) by division or appraisement of the produce, (b) by rates fixed with reference to the nature of the crops grown, (c) by a rate on a recognized measure of area, (d) by a rent in gross on the tenency, or (e) partly by one of the methods specified in clauses (a), (b) and (c) of this sub-section and partly by another or others of them, One of those methods shall not be commuted in whole or in part into another without the consent of both landlord and tenant. In the absence of a contract or a decree or order of competent authority to the contrary, a tenant whose rent is taken by any of the methods specified in clauses (a), (b) and (c) of sub-section (1), or by the method specified in clause (d) of that sub-section, shall not be liable to pay for a tenancy rent at any higher rate, or of a higher amount, as the case may be, than the rate or amount payable in respect of the tenancy for the preceding agricultural year.