diff --git a/libraries/cms/helper/extensionscript.php b/libraries/cms/helper/extensionscript.php
index 0f344524816d1..13e6a17100984 100644
--- a/libraries/cms/helper/extensionscript.php
+++ b/libraries/cms/helper/extensionscript.php
@@ -66,6 +66,13 @@ class JExtensionscriptHelper
 	 */
 	protected $minimumJoomla;
 
+	/**
+	 * @var   boolean  Allow downgrades of your extension. Use at your own risk
+	 *                 as if there is a change in functionality people may wish
+	 *                 to downgrade
+	 */
+	protected $allowDowngrades = false;
+
 	/**
 	 * Function called before module installation/update/removal procedure commences
 	 *
@@ -106,7 +113,7 @@ public function preflight($type, $parent)
 		}
 
 		// Abort if the module being installed is not newer than the currently installed version
-		if ($type == 'Update')
+		if ($type == 'Update' && $this->allowDowngrades)
 		{
 			$manifest = $this->getItemArray('manifest_cache', '#__extensions', 'element', JFactory::getDbo()->quote($this->extension));
 			$oldRelease = $manifest['version'];