M. Azath S. Salley v. Colombo Municipal Council, et al. – NO. 252/2007-2009

In the case between M. Azath S. Salley (petitioner and rate-payer of the Colombo Municipal Council) and the Colombo Municipal Council, its Mayor, Municipal Commissioner, and associated officials and bodies, the court addressed the legality of the municipal respondents’ approval and tolerance of unauthorized advertising hoardings, scrutinizing compliance with by-laws and established advertising guidelines. It was determined that the suspension of applicable guidelines and the arbitrary authorization of illegal hoardings contravened legal provisions, thereby infringing on constitutional guarantees of equality under Article 12(1) and principles underlying public trust. The findings established that such actions undermined both revenue collection and public interest obligations, and sustained