The Court of Appeal yesterday restrained the Municipal Council of Anuradhapura and its Mayor from charging an increased levy per square foot of a hoarding, erected within the city limits of Anuradhapura.

This interim direction was made in respect of a Writ Application filed by Athula Paranayaya Services Private Limited of High Level Road, Kosgama. The petitioner had complained that the Municipal Council, has increased the charges levied per squarefoot of the hoarding from Rs. 20/- to Rs. 200/-.

The increase is unreasonable, the petitioner had said. Notice was earlier issued on the respondent Municipal Council, the Mayor and a few others.

The petition was supported by Ikram Mohammad PC.

The Bench comprised, Justice Chandra Ekanayake and Justice Anil Gooneratne.

The restraining order is valid till the final determination of the Writ application, which sought to quash the decision of the Council.