The Court of Appeal yesterday issued notice on the Telecommunication Regulatory Commission and the Secretary Defence, Gotabhaya Rajapaksa following a petition by Sudarshana Gunewardene, Attorney-at-Law, challenging a decision to restrict the use of mobile phones to registered owners and not to their family members.

The gazette notification issued in respect of this regulation said that the spouse, parents or children of the owner could not use the mobile phone for security reasons.

The petition said that this regulation imposes additional financial burdens on the people. It breaches the Telecommunication Regulatory Act and should be quashed by the Court.

The notice is returnable on October 3, 2008. J. C. Weliamuna, instructed by Lilanthi de Silva appeared for the petitioner.

The Bench comprised Justice Chandra Ekanayake and Justice Anil Gooneratne.