JUDGMENT

K. JAGANNATHA SHETTY, J.:- The question raised in this appeal relates to the construction of Section 127A of the Madhya Pradesh Municipalities Act, 1961 (The Act). The relevant portion of Section 127A reads:

"127A. imposition of Property Tax - (1) Notwithstanding anything contained in this Chapter, as and from the financial year 1976-77, there shall be charged, levied and paid for each financial year a tax on the lands or buildings or both situate in a Municipality other than Class IV Municipality at the rate specified in the table below:-

TABLE

(i) Where the annual letting value exceeds Rs. 1800 but does not exceed Rs. 6000/- 6 per centum of the annual letting value

(ii) Where the annual letting value exceeds Rs. 6000 but does not exceed Rs. 12000/- 81/3 per centum of the annual letting value

(iii) Where the annual letting value exceeds Rs. 12000 but does not exceed Rs. 18000/- 10 per centum of the annual letting value

(iv) Where the annual letting value exceeds Rs. 18000 but does not exceed Rs. 24000/- 15 per centum of the annual letting value

(v) Where the annual letting value exceeds Rs.24000 20 per centum of the annual letting value

2. The property tax levied under subse